2 arrested in DHS police standoff, repeat of situation 5 months ago

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department arrested two men, one who was on probation and detained a female after a standoff on Sunset Avenue lasted about three hours Wednesday.

Louie Pescador, 37, and Christopher Madril, 24, both face multiple charges after they allegedly barricaded themselves inside an apartment.

The situation began to unfold just after 10 a.m. Wednesday.

According to police, a probation officer was conducting a compliance check on someone else at the apartment complex, located at 10592 Sunset Avenue, when the officer recognized Pescador as being on probation.

“They stopped him, searched him and saw a handgun on him and as they went to hand cuff him, he broke away from them, actually assaulted one of the officers, and fled from him and barricaded himself inside one of the apartments,” said Desert Hot Springs Police ChiefDale Mondary.

Police closed Sunset Avenue and San Diego Drive. All residents in the surrounding community were asked to stay indoors.

Police surrounded the neighborhood and evacuated the apartment complex.

“I got a knock on my door. They said they were looking for someone and they had to do a sweep of my apartment and every apartment in the building,” said Elwood Reppert.

Nearly 3 hours into the stand off, a California Highway Patrol support plane circled the complex and armed officers in what appeared to be full tackle gear, went into the complex.

“We do not want to hurt you, come out with your hands up,” was broadcast over a loud speaker.

“We made several announcements, then they finally agreed to come out,” said Mondary.

After 3 hours, 3 people were walked out in handcuffs.

“We arrested Louie Pescador for assault on a peace officer, and violation of probation as well as being under the influence of drugs and also arrested Christopher Madril for felony in procession of a firearm as well as two outstanding warrants,” said Mondary.

An unidentified woman was detained, but not arrested.

Police say more charges are pending as investigators search the apartment they were holed up in.

Neighbors tell News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 this is not the first time police have been here. Many of them did not want to speak on camera for fear of retaliation.

Pescador was arrested last August on weapons charges for a similar standoff at this same complex. According to jail records, he was just released last weekend, Mondary believes because of AB109.

Neighbors hope Wednesday’s arrest will be the end of it.

“I hope this is on the right road to making this a safer community,” said Reppert.

Nobody was injured during the standoff. The officer assaulted was not hurt. Authorities said they found a firearm with the serial number filed off inside the apartment, as well as ammunition.

Charges:

Louie Pescador – Assault on a police officer, violation of probation, being under the influence of drugs. Officers said he was on probation for weapons charges.

Christopher Madril – Felon in possession of a firearm, altering a serial number, and he’s also facing charges for two outstanding felony warrants.

We’ll have updated information as the investigation moves forward.

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