Two people arrested after knife incident on El Paseo
A wanted felon and a woman were detained after hours of work by Riverside County Sheriff deputies to defuse a tense scene where a suspect stabbed himself and made irrational statements.
The incident happened at a shopping plaza near Highway 111 and Monterey/Highway 74. The Riverside County Sheriff's Office said a man was making irrational statements to dispatch. Deputies were sent to the area to check on the welfare of the caller.
It was discovered the man, a 35-year-old from Palm Desert, had an active felony warrant out of San Bernardino County for his arrest.
When deputies arrived, they found the man and a 35-year-old Palm Desert woman, outside of a business upset. Upon contacting the couple, deputies noticed the woman had a large dog on a leash.
"Deputies gave the couple instructions, but neither complied," reads a news release by the Sheriff's Office.
The man reached into his backpack and pulled out a large knife. Authorities said he stated he would not go to jail and started inflict bodily harm on himself with the knife. The woman refused to leave the man's side.
Businesses were closed down in the area during the investigation.
Due to the police activity, part of Highway 74 was closed near El Paseo. Traffic heading Westbound on 111 near Highway 74 was also impacted.
Members of the Riverside County Crisis Negotiation Team and the Riverside County K9 Team responded to assist.
After hours of negotiations, the woman and their dog were ultimately removed from the scene.
Authorities used less-lethal devices to gain compliance and the man was eventually taken into custody.
Paramedics on scene rendered medical aid and the man was then transported to a local hospital with significant self-inflicted injuries.
The Sheriff's Office noted that he will be booked and charged for exhibiting a weapon at a peace officer, resisting arrest, and for his outstanding felony warrant.
The woman was booked in at the John Benoit Detention Center for resisting arrest.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with additional information to contact Deputy Ploesch or Deputy Soto-Barraza (760) 836–1600 or call anonymously at (760) 341-STOP (7867) and reference incident # T233240042.
