Gunshots reported following theft of ATV in Desert Hot Springs

Two teenagers were taken into police custody Wednesday in Desert Hot Springs after allegedly stealing an all-terrain vehicle and taking it for a joy ride.

At about 9:15 a.m. police began receiving calls about multiple gunshots being fired in an unincorporated area of the city, near Dillion Road and Palm Drive.

Police said witnesses described the shooters as young men with a handgun and a rifle on an ATV.

With the help of air support, police caught up with two boys on Miracle Hill in Desert Hot Springs. Police said they were unarmed.

The ATV the boys were riding was reported stolen just hours earlier from the front yard of Clarence Tate’s home. When he reported the theft, Tate said he was told by a police officer, he wasn’t likely to see the vehicle again.

“He says generally these quads are never found OK. An hour and a half later they said your quad was found. I was ecstatic. These quads are worth about $4,000, so I couldn’t be happier with the Desert Hot Springs Police Department,” said Tate.

Police said both teens were already on parole.

The district attorney’s office will decide what charges they may face.