Indio Police Officer Shoots At Suspects After Car Chase

An Indio police officer is on paid administrative leave after an overnight officer involved shooting in Coachella.

The officer attempted to stop a vehicle southbound on Calhoun St around 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning. The vehicle, a 2-door sedan failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit occurred, according to Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Dean Spivacke.

The vehicle continued to drive southbound on Calhoun Street into the city of Coachella, with the officer following. The vehicle crashed into some shrubs while attempting a turn. The two suspects got out of the car. That’s when the officer involved shooting occurred, said Spivacke.

The two suspects fled the scene. Officers and deputies searched the area. During a search of the area, a handgun was located in a backyard of a residence nearby.

Police arrested a 17-year-old suspect, allegedly the passenger of the car. The driver remains outstanding. He is described as a young Hispanic male with dark clothing.

Neither the officer nor the suspect in custody were injured in the incident.

The identity of the officer, a three-year veteran of the Indio Police Department is being withheld. Per department policy the officer has been placed on paid administrative leave.

The Riverside Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit, the Coachella Police Department and Indio Police Department are conducting the investigation.

Anyone with any information are encouraged to contact Investigator Baeza at Central Homicide at 951-955-2777.