Police Look For Suspects Who Set Coachella Teenager On Fire
Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies are looking for three men who reportedly set a teenager on fire over the weekend in Coachella.
The incident happened on Saturday at about 10:30pm, police say, at Bagdouma Park near the intersection of Avenue 52 and Douma Street. Police responded to calls reporting an assault. When they got to the scene, they found the 17-year-old suffering from burns. Unable to tell the police much, investigators say he was transported to the nearest burn unit in serious condition. He suffered second-degree burns to his upper torso.
Monday, deputies say they were able to speak with the teen.
He told them he was attacked by three Hispanic men, beaten, doused with accelerant, and set on fire. He told them he was able to remove his shirt, and get help from a nearby neighbor.
This crime is believed to be gang-related.
One of the suspects is described as approximately 5’6″, 155 pounds, about 18 to 22 years old, with a dark complexion and two distinctive moles on the ride sight of his face wearing a gray T-shirt, dark blue jeans, white sneaker and a white baseball cap with a black brim.
Another is described as approximately 6’0″, 160 to 170 pounds, about 22 to 25 years old, with a full beard, light complexion wearing a black hooded sweater, black jeans and white sneakers.
Investigators are seeking the public’s help in identifying these suspects and anyone with information can contact Investigator Ramirez at the Indio Sheriff’s Station at (760) 863-8990 or (760) 836-3215 (after hours).
