Suspected gang members plead not guilty to Indio shootings, assaults
Two suspected gang members accused in a string of shootings and assaults in the city of Indio, which included shooting at and pistol whipping adult and juvenile victims, were charged with multiple felonies
Friday.
Christian “Lil’ Downer” Yanez, 20, and Joel Vargas III, 21, were arrested Wednesday for crimes Indio police allege occurred between Jan. 7 and Jan. 14.
The men are accused of targeting several male victims and attacking them to advance the reputation of their gang. None of the victims had gang ties, according to court documents.
Yanez allegedly threatened to kill several victims, shot at one person while the victim was at work and pistol whipped a juvenile victim.
Vargas’ alleged role in the attacks was not disclosed.
Officers recovered two firearms during their arrests, “along with evidence linking them to the crimes,” according to the Indio Police Department.
Both men were charged Friday with several counts of assault with a gun, discharging a firearm from a vehicle, making criminal threats and shooting at an inhabited vehicle or dwelling.
Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges Friday afternoon and were slated to return to court Jan. 30 for a felony settlement conference.
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