Details emerge in Indio apartment complex shooting
An Indio police officer injured after a deadly shooting on Monday is recovering from substantial but non-life-threatening injuries, said Riverside County sheriff’s spokesman Angel Ramos.
He said the officer had responded to the 81900 block of Hoover Street around 2:25 p.m. Minutes later, the officer requested emergency assistance. Riverside County sheriff’s deputies responded to assist along with the California Highway Patrol.
Ramos said the first stage of the investigation has revealed that Karl Watson, 47, of resident of Palm Desert, went to the Las Brisas Apartments looking for Ana Maria Gonzalez, 50, of Indio.
Watson found her and shot her several times while she sat in her car, Ramos said.
When the Indio police officer arrived, Watson shot toward the officer several times.
The officer fired back, which escalated into a physical fight between the two. Both were struggling for their weapons, Ramos said.
Another officer arrived on the scene and shot Watson killing him. The officer he had been struggling with was badly injured.
Gonzales and Watson were both pronounced dead at the scene, while the police officer was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Anyone who may have information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Investigator Randall Wortman of the Central Homicide Unit at 760-393-3500 or Investigator Robert Garcia of the Thermal Station 760-836-1600.
