Family raises money for DHS man shot 5 times during home invasion robbery
A Desert Hot Springs man is recovering in a hospital after being shot multiple times at his home Sunday morning. His friends and family identified him as Domenic (Butch) Tallarita through a Go Fund Me page they started to help raise money to pay for his medical expenses.
According to Desert Hot Springs Police Chief Dale Mondary, 22-year-old Altonia Vontae Jackson Jr. was arrested for attempted murder, home invasion robbery and other criminal charges.
The defendant appeared in court for the first time on Wednesday, August 2 and pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder, carjacking, robbery and evading arrest. He’s being held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on $2.1 million bail, according to jail records.
Jackson is expected back in court August 11 for a felony settlement conference.
Police said Jackson went into the home’s garage, located in the 9700 block of Vista Del Valle, at about 6:30 a.m.
According to Desert Hot Springs Police Chief Dale Mondary, 22-year-old Altonia Vontae Jackson Jr. was arrested for attempted murder, home invasion robbery and other criminal charges. Police said Jackson went into the home’s garage, located in the 9700 block of Vista Del Valle, at about 6:30 a.m.
After the homeowner confronted Jackson, a physical altercation took place where the suspect took out a handgun and shot the victim five times. Tallarita’s friends said on his Go Fund Me page that the bullets struck his head, liver, kidney, foot, finger, hand and shoulder.
They also said the suspect came into the garage to steal a dirt bike.
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Some neighbors say they’ve never seen crime this intensive in their neighborhood.
“I was so scared because I got two kids. I got a 9-year-old and a 1-year-old baby. And we’re thinking of selling the house now, because it could have been us,” said one neighbor, Zane Laino.
Jackson left on an off-road motorcycle, and led officers on a chase throughout multiple cities, taking westbound I-10 into Palm Springs after the shooting.
With the help of Palm Springs police officers and Riverside County sheriff’s deputies, officers were able to take Jackson into custody after his motorcycle stalled in Palm Springs.
“There have been a lot of crimes and murders in Desert Hot Springs since I’ve been here, but on this street, no shootings,” said Kathie Wooster.
“It’s a really great neighborhood. We have some speeders, but that’s really all that ever happens. I’ve had my car broken into a little bit, but nothing like this, ever,” JoAnn styles said.
Stay with KESQ and CBS Local 2 for the latest updates regarding this shooting.
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