Man accused of shooting DHS homeowner 5 times pleads not guilty
A man who allegedly broke into a Desert Hot Springs residence and shot the homeowner multiple times, then led police on a chase, was charged Wednesday with attempted murder, carjacking, robbery and evading
arrest.
Altonia Vontae Jackson Jr., 22, pleaded not guilty to the charges stemming from the morning home invasion that left Domenic “Butch” Tallarita hospitalized in critical condition at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm
Springs. The victim was shot five times, including in the head, around 6:45 a.m. Sunday at his home in the 9700 block of Vista Del Valle.
Victim’s family raising money for medical bills as he recovers at hospital. Donate to the cause.
Responding officers spotted Jackson fleeing on a motorcycle and gave chase, according to police. The pursuit, which went through Desert Hot Springs and North Palm Springs, ended with his arrest on Indian Canyon Drive, just south of Interstate 10.
The suspect was allegedly trying to steal a dirt bike out of Tallarita’s garage just before the shots rang out, according to a GoFundMe page set up by the victim’s family members and friends, who are attempting to raise $20,000 to help cover his expenses.
Read: Police identify 4 suspects arrested in connection to shooting at Cathedral City bar
“Butch is an amazing man and would give anything to anyone no questions asked,” the page reads. “We appreciate everyone of you who has been there for us during this hard time. We are confident he will make it through this.”
On Tuesday, Tallarita’s family reported progress in his recovery, saying he was moving his arms and responding to his brother’s voice.
Jackson was being held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning in lieu of $2.1 million bail, according to jail records. He will return to court Aug. 11 for a felony settlement conference.
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