Gang Member Arrested For November Shooting & Robbery

DESERT HOT SPRINGS -A 19-year-old reputed gang member was behind bars today on suspicion of stealing a woman’s purse and shooting at a man who tried to thwart the Nov. 4 robbery in Desert Hot Springs, police reported.

William Benjamin Washington is accused of “manhandling” the woman at a bus stop that day around 7:30 a.m. in the area of Palm and Ironwood drives, said Sgt. Dan Bressler of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department.

When the woman refused to give him money, he wrestled her purse away from her, the sergeant said.

When a good Samaritan tried to intervene, Washington allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired several rounds, but did not hit the man, according to Bressler.

Washington ran off, and police were unable to find him for nearly two months, according to Bressler. The suspect, who was taken into custody on Saturday, was being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

Arraignment was tentatively set for Wednesday.