Carjacking, vandalism suspect arrested

A carjacking and vandalism suspect remained behind bars Tuesday morning after being arrested last week in Desert Hot Springs.

Desert Hot Springs Police say officers arrested Peter Meraz, 48, Saturday in connection with a carjacking that occurred the previous day at 6:30 a.m. on the 66800 block of Pierson Boulevard.

According to county jail records, officers arrested Meraz near the intersection of Palm Drive and Hacienda Avenue after a short foot pursuit.

A police detective said the apparent victim was unharmed during the carjacking, and the vehicle was ultimately recovered.

Meraz was booked into Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning later that evening. He was being held on a no-bail warrant.

According to county jail records, Meraz faces two felony charges of carjacking and violation of state parole and two misdemeanor charges of vandalism and obstructing a peace officer.

He was set to be arraigned at the Larson Justice Center in Indio on July 31.