Juvenile Suspect Arrested in Armed Gas Station Robbery
Photo: Firearm used in robbery | Palm Springs PD
Originally Published By: Palm Springs PD
“On Monday, February 6th, just before 1:00 AM, PSPD dispatch received a call about a robbery at a gas station on the 3600 block of E. Ramon Rd. The witness reported two Hispanic male suspects entered the store and stole a case of beer. At one point, store employees tried to retrieve the case of beer. An employee was assaulted, and one of the suspects brandished a firearm and fired a shot in the air. The suspects then fled the scene with a third suspect who was driving the suspect vehicle.
Officers responded to the scene and obtained statements from the victims. Information related to the robbery was shared with allied agencies. Eventually, Desert Hot Springs Police found the suspect vehicle and tried to stop it. The driver of the vehicle stopped, and all three suspects ran away. Two suspects were apprehended. The driver was identified as 24 year-old Christopher Mendez, who is on formal probation. The suspect who fired the gun was identified as a 15 year-old, male juvenile, from Palm Desert. He was also found to be in possession of the firearm. The identity of the third outstanding suspect is currently under investigation.
The 15 year-old was transported to Juvenile Hall. He faces the following felony charges: 29650 66100 1, PC; Minor Illegally Possess Live Ammunition; 29610(A) PC; Minor Possess Handgun, 25850(C)(6) PC; Carry Loaded Handgun; 182(A)(1) PC; Conspiracy to commit a Crime; and 211 PC; Robbery: Second Degree.
24 year-old Christopher Mendez was arrested and booked into the Indio Jail. He faces the following felony charges: 1203.2 PC; Probation Violation, 21310 PC; Carry Concealed Dirk or Dagger; 182(A)(1) PC; Conspiracy: Commit Crime; 211 PC; Robbery: Second Degree.
If you have any additional information, please get in touch with the PSPD Investigations Division at 760-323-8121. Anonymous information can also be provided via Crime Stoppers at 760-347-7867.”
