Parole suspected in Desert Hot Springs home invasion robbery arrested

A 33-year-old parolee was arrested Saturday night on suspicion of a home invasion robbery.

Desert Hot Springs police were called to a home invasion robbery on the 68100 block of Club Circle around 10:45 p.m. According to Desert Hot Springs police officers, a man later identified as Joseph Montanez, forced open a room door while victims slept.
Montanez allegedly demanded money from victims, who refused and tried to fight him off. The Desert Hot Springs man then quickly grabbed a wallet and a cell phone.
Montanez fled on foot and was found minutes later at his residence on the 68100 block of Calle Las Tiendas, according to police.

However, when officers found him, Montanez fled from his second-story apartment and hid on the roof.
A brief standoff ensued and Desert Hot Springs Police K-9 Zeus was released on Montanez.
Most of the stolen property was recovered and no victims were injured.

Montanez was booked at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.