Teens accused of snatching purses in DHS burglary

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department arrested a 16-year-old boy Monday morning for allegedly burglarizing a home in the 67100 block of Hacienda Avenue. Officers said they’re still searching for two other teens who were involved in the burglary.

Officers were called to the 12300 block of Pomelo Drive at about 11:20 a.m. after a woman reported three Hispanic boys had rang her doorbell and were acting suspicious. Shortly after, a man called police to say he saw three teens running across Hacienda Avenue carrying bags and purses, Sgt. Daud Chang said.

Officers arrived and saw the three teens running into the desert area south of Hacienda Avenue and Verbena Drive. They set up a perimeter in the area and detained a 16-year-old suspect.

The other two suspects are still on the run. A man who lives in the area said they discarded several bags containing jewelry and electronics is his backyard as they were running from police.

Police learned the purses and bags were taken from the home in the 67100 block of Hacienda Avenue after a woman called shortly after to report the burglary. The victim identified her stolen property and identified the 16-year-old as one of the burglary suspects, Sergeant Daud Chang said in the release.

The teen was booked into Juvenile Hall in Indio while officers continue to search for the two other suspects.