Man Shot During Desert Hot Springs Arrest Pleads Guilty

A 20-year-old man pleaded guilty today to a felony charge of resisting arrest, stemming from a confrontation with several Desert Hot Springs police officers during which he was shot.

In exchange for Travis Jonsrud’s plea, three charges of assault on a police officer were dismissed and he was sentenced to three years probation.

Under the terms of probation, Jonsrud must pay more than $800 in fees and submit to immediate searches of his possessions or vehicle without cause. His probation could be cut in half if he complies with all stipulations for a year and a half.

Jonsrud was shot in the head, chest and leg Feb. 25, 2009, when he was involved in confrontation with police.

Officers encountered Jonsrud walking through traffic following a fender- bender that February night near Palm Drive and Hacienda Avenue, according to a declaration in support of an arrest warrant.

Responding officers ordered Jonsrud to sit down and hand over a cell phone he was holding, but he jumped up without warning and attacked the officers, according to Detective Kenneth Patterson, who prepared the declaration.

Jonsrud allegedly told an officer he was “under the influence of PCP,” Patterson wrote.

Three other officers tried to take Jonsrud into custody, twice using a stun gun, but he continued to beat the officers and pushed one of them with “superhuman” strength,” according to Patterson.

An 18-year-old at the time, Jonsrud rushed toward one of the officers who, “fearing for his life and that of his officers, discharged his weapon, striking Jonsrud unknown times,” Patterson wrote. Another officer also fired at Jonsrud.

The officers handcuffed Jonsrud, who was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center. One officer was treated for bruises to his head and face.

Defense attorney Dale Galipo said Jonsrud was not on PCP, as officers alleged.