Photo: Ricardo Gomez
PALM SPRINGS – PSPD is investigating a possible hate crime as part of a recent shooting at an area hotel.
On August 4 at 1;30 a.m. officers arrived at the hotel in the 2000 block of N. Palm Canyon Drive. An unidentified Hispanic male fired several rounds at a black male, his wife and their 16-year-old son.
The unprovoked attack on the family, newly arrived from out of town, resulted in no injuries. Investigators believe the attack may be “racially motivated based on alleged statements made by the suspect toward the victims before the shooting.”
As officers searched the area, they came upon 19-year-old gang member Ricardo Gomez. Similarly, nearby they found two loaded handguns. Witnesses identified Gomez as one of the two suspects in the shooting.
The second suspect fled the area and remains at large.
Gomez’s charges include attempted murder and a hate crime.
As is standard, “anyone with information regarding this investigation, please call Detective Mario Kasal at 760-323- 8136. Also, email MarioKasal@PalmSpringsCA.gov. You can also make anonymous crime tips through Crime Stoppers at 760-341-7867.”
