Man who allegedly shot at Desert Hot Springs officer pleads not guilty
Charges of attempted murder on a peace officer, evading arrest, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm were filed today against a man accused of shooting at a Desert Hot Springs police officer, then leading police on a car chase that ended when he crashed his vehicle in the desert and eluded capture until the following day.
Raymond Villegas of Indio, 26, is accused of firing on the lawman Friday night, as the officer was following Villegas’ vehicle because it was “thought to be involved in a homicide,” according to Desert Hot Springs Police Sgt. Phil Weigle.
Original Story: Police search for suspect who fired at officers
The 7:30 p.m. non-injury shooting triggered a pursuit that ended in the desert south of Two Bunch Palms Trail and West Drive, where Villegas allegedly crashed his vehicle and fled on foot.
However, over the following day, detectives “obtained information” that led to his arrest at around 5:45 p.m. Saturday.
Indio man arrested in connection with DHS police shooting and pursuit
He was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Center in Banning on suspicion of attempted murder of a police officer, as well as evading arrest and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Villegas, who’s being held in lieu of $1.1 million bail, pleaded not guilty to all charges Thursday afternoon. He’s slated to return to court Jan. 8 for a felony settlement conference.
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