Palm Desert man accused of trying to rob elderly woman in parking lot

A 38-year-old Palm Desert man was arrested Tuesday morning after police said he tried to rob an elderly woman who was getting into her vehicle while parked near Home Depot in Rancho Mirage.

Sgt. Jeronimo Contreras with the Rancho Mirage Police Department said the attempted robbery happened at about 9:40 a.m. The parking lot is located near the intersection of Monterey Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive.

Officers arrested Paul Johnson after searching the area for a white man wearing distinctive clothing. Johnson is accused of using force in the attempted robbery and was also charged with elder abuse.

Police said he ran off after another woman began screaming when she witnessed the incident.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Rancho Mirage Police Department at (760) 836-1600 or sheriff’s dispatch at (760) 836-3218.