Man charged in connection to assault of 90-year-old man

Criminal charges were filed today against a 32-year-oldIndio man suspected in a home invasion robbery during which a 90-year-old womanwas assaulted.

Jesus Antonio Ramirez was charged with assault, cruelty to an elder,robbery and burglary, all felonies, with arraignment scheduled this afternoonat the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

Officers went to a home in the 81200 block of Alberta Avenue in Indioaround 7:40 a.m. Tuesday in response to a report of a possible robbery andfound the victim suffering from moderate injuries for which she washospitalized, according to the Indio Police Department.

Investigators determined that the woman’s attacker used a rock to breaka window, then knocked on her front door. She answered and had a briefconversation with the suspect before closing the door and going back inside.

The suspect then forced his way into the home, assaulted the woman, tookher wallet and fled, according to police.

Indio police detectives and the department’s Special Enforcement Teamdetermined the suspect was driving a silver, four-door 1999 Mercedes-Benz.Officers pulled the car over around 5 p.m. Tuesday near Mountain View Avenueand Towne Street in Indio and arrested Ramirez, who was behind the wheel, inconnection with the home invasion and assault, police said.

Evidence at the victim’s home allegedly linked Ramirez to the crime andhe was positively identified at the crime scene, police said.

Detectives said they are investigating a possible link between Ramirez,who was being held in lieu of $150,000 bail, and two other recent cases.

Anyone with information relevant to the investigation was asked tocontact Indio police at (760) 391-4057. Anonymous tips can be made by callingCoachella Valley Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-7867.