Deputy stabbed in the leg on El Paseo in Palm Desert, suspect in custody

A Riverside County Sheriff's deputy has been taken to the hospital after being stabbed in the leg with a knife in Palm Desert Tuesday afternoon.

The stabbing happened near the area of Lupine Lane and El Paseo in Palm Desert at around 1:15 p.m.

Deputies were in the area searching for a suspect who was said to be assaulting customers in the area, according to the Sheriff's Dept.

Sheriff's Sgt. Deonna Pecoraro told News Channel 3 that a fight ensued when deputies attempted to take the suspect into custody.

The department later revealed that the suspect armed himself with a knife prior to stabbing the deputy. Deputies attempted to taze the suspect, but it was ineffective. The suspect then attempted to stab the same deputy again, but was unsuccessful and ultimately taken into custody.

The injured deputy was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No other deputies were injured.

The suspect, a 51-year-old from La Quinta, was also taken to the hospital and will be booked into jail when released. He will be booked on Attempt Murder on a Peace Officer.

As part of station policy, we will not publish the suspect's name or photo until they are officially charged by the District Attorney's office.

This is an on-going investigation and we are asking the public's assistance with any information regarding this incident, please contact Investigator Chua at (760) 836-1600.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.