Palm Springs Police Department, CA

Fatal Traffic Collision: On 01/29/2021 at about 11:15 am, Officers responded to a traffic collision that occurred on E. Ramon Road west of San Luis Rey Drive involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. The pedestrian suffered major injuries and later died from the injuries sustained in the collision. The initial investigation revealed the collision occurred in the roadway when the pedestrian appeared to be crossing Ramon Road outside of a crosswalk. The driver of the vehicle is cooperating with the investigation and it does not appear that drugs and/or alcohol were a factor. The cause of the collision is still under investigation. If you witnessed this collision, please contact the Palm Springs Police Department Traffic Bureau at 760-323-8125. Anonymous information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at 760-341-7867.

Found Child Update: The Palm Springs Police Department has found the location where the child was staying and it appears as though she wandered away early this morning. The parents have been identified and we are currently trying to locate them as we continue with this investigation. The assistance from the public is no longer needed but we truly appreciate the assistance of the public by sharing this post as it proved to be helpful in this case.

UPDATE: The Palm Springs Police Department has found the location where the child was staying and it appears as though she wandered away early this morning. The parents have been identified and we are currently trying to locate them as we continue with this investigation. The assistance from the public is no longer needed but we truly appreciate the assistance of the public by sharing this post as it proved to be helpful in this case. Found Child:... The Palm Springs Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating the parents of this child. Her name is Liliana and she is 6 years old. She was found early this morning wandering the apartment complex located at 2744 E. Tahquitz Canyon Drive. She is unable to tell us where she lives and is unable to identify her parents by name. PSPD officers and PSPD School Resource officers along with Child Protective Services are actively investigating this incident. If you know this little girl or if you know her parents, please contact PSPD immediately at 760-327-1441. KESQ News Channel 3 NBC Palm Springs Desert Sun

The latest COVID-19 surge has not avoided the Palm Springs Police Department. Currently, a total of 27 sworn and/or non-sworn members of various areas of the Department are unable to work due to COVD-19 exposure quarantine guidelines, taking care of family members impacted, or as a result of positive tests. Some of these exposures occurred away from work while many occurred during the course of work. Nearly all of the impacted staff members that were quarantined strictly due... to exposure guidelines have tested negative, have remained asymptomatic, and will be returning to duty in the next few days. A total of 9 employees have tested positive during this latest surge. The staffing vacancies within the Patrol Bureau have been able to be filled by personnel from other areas of the Police Department and the response to calls for service has not been impacted. The Police Department has additional plans in place in the event there are staffing shortages that will impact our service capability. Sincerely, Captain Mike Kovaleff

The City of Palm Springs is seeing an increase in Catalytic Converter thefts. Since August 2020, there have been about 20 catalytic converter thefts reported in the city. Many more go unreported. There does not seem to be a pattern but we ask the public to stay vigilant and to contact PSPD if you see suspicious activity (760-323-8116). In the meantime, here are some helpful tips: To reduce the risk of having your catalytic converter stolen, you should: Park your car in... a locked garage where possible, but if this isn’t an option, then park it in a well-lit and well-populated area Park close to fences, walls or a curb with the exhaust being closest to the fence, wall or curb to make the theft more difficult If parking in a public car lot, consider parking alongside other cars and facing you r hood towards the wall if possible. With the catalytic converter positioned at the front of your vehicle, this will make it harder for thieves to get close enough to steal it If there is a fleet of vehicles, park the low clearance vehicles to block the high clearance vehicles. This will obstruct access underneath If your catalytic converter is bolted on, you can ask for your local mechanic to weld the bolts to make it more difficult to remove. Alternatively, you can also etch a serial number on the converter You can even purchase a ‘cage clamp’ which is a cage device that locks in around the converter to make it more difficult to remove Speak to your dealership about the possibility of adding a tilt sensor that will activate the alarm should any thief try to jack the vehicle up to steal the converter If you see someone acting suspiciously under a vehicle, report it to the Police. Obtain as much information as possible, including any vehicle and suspect descriptions See more

Sergeant Matt Beard retired 12/15/2020 after 29 years of service with The Palm Springs Police Department. This final radio broadcast showcases his career accomplishments and gives Sgt. Beard a final sign off with his call sign, P311. Sgt. Beard was a leader in the truest sense of the word and will be missed by those who worked with him. We wish him the best of luck in retirement.

Update to Kidnapping Arrest: Joseph Harvey (02/25/1990, resident of Bermuda Dunes) has been identified as the suspect in the reported kidnapping from 01/24/2021. The investigation led to Harvey after receiving information from witnesses, surveillance footage and apparent facial trauma when he was contacted by detectives. Harvey will be booked at the Smith Correctional Facility for PC 459 (Burglary), PC 207 (Kidnapping) and PC 3056 (Parole Violation). The Palm Springs Polic...e Department is seeking similar incidents involving this individual. If you have any information regarding this kidnapping incident or had contact with this individual in a similar manner, please contact Detective Escallada at 760-323-8129. Anonymous information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at 760-341-7867. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Attempt Homicide Investigation: On 12/17/2020 at about 2:20 am, PSPD officers responded to the 100 block of Vega Drive (Horizon Mobile Home Park) regarding a male trying to kill a resident. Officers discovered two victims inside with knife wounds. Officers learned that the suspect, who is a nearby neighbor, broke his neighbors window, entered, and subsequently cut the victim with a knife. A second neighbor, after hearing screams for help, entered the residence, struggled wi...th the suspect, and was also cut with a knife. The suspect was struck in the head with a hammer and fled the location. Officers located the suspect at his residence and took him into custody without incident. The cause of the attack is still under investigation but is believed to be unprovoked. The suspect was booked on Attempted Murder (PC 664/PC187), Burglary (PC 459) and Assault with a Deadly Weapon (PC 245(a)(1)) and later transported to the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning, CA. Suspect: Raymond Bernal (01/28/1964 Resident of Palm Springs All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Riverside County District Attorney Gang Impact Team conducts early morning raid targeting violent criminal street gang in Palm Springs in relation to recent violence. Palm Springs Police Chief Bryan Reyes said: Today’s operation, once again, reinforces our commitment as a police department in partnership with the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation with a wide range of law enforcement agencies in our County to address crime. The violent crime that has plagued our City in recent months has been and will continue to be addressed by the Palm Springs Police Department and our law enforcement partners, Reyes added. I am grateful that we have the ability to assemble more than one hundred law enforcement officers from various agencies to assist us in our investigations.

Arrest Made in Kidnapping Investigation On 01/26/2021 at about 8:30 am, Palm Springs PD Detectives located the kidnapping suspect in the 400 Block of S. Indian Canyon Drive. The suspect is temporarily being held in Palm Springs on two felony charges while detectives continue the investigation. Further information will be released later, but detectives are confident the suspect we have in custody was involved in this incident. The Palm Springs Police Department would like to thank our community and the media for sharing of our social media post that most certainly helped us locate this individual. We will provide an update when one comes available.

Incident Type: National Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign Begins Dec. 14 Today's Date: 12-15-2020 Current Time: 18:53:47 Address/Location: 200 S. Civic Dr. Palm Springs, Ca. 92262 Incident Details: Palm Springs, Calif. This holiday season, the Palm Springs Police Department wants to remind the public about the importance of being safe and sober when you are driving.... While the COVID-19 pandemic is changing how we celebrate the holidays, the Palm Springs Police Department is dedicated to keeping the public safe and urges people to stay at home or use a designated sober driver if you plan to drink. Starting Dec. 14 and through New Year’s Day, the Palm Springs Police Department will have officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over, intended to show zero tolerance for drunk driving and keep roads safe. This year has been challenging and difficult on all of us, Sgt. Arnold Galvan said. The last thing we need is more heartbreak and tragedy. Make the right choice by not driving impaired so everyone can have a safe holiday. The Palm Springs Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs. Do your research and understand how certain drugs you are taking may affect your driving ability. Due to COVID-19, the state of California is asking residents to avoid large gatherings for the holidays to mitigate the spread of the virus. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Incident Type: Results for PSPD DUI Checkpoint held on 12-11-20 Today's Date: 12-15-2020 Current Time: 07:21:04 Address/Location: 200 S. Civic Dr., Palm Springs, Ca. 92263 Incident Details: 2 arrested and 9 cited at Palm Springs DUI Checkpoint... Palm Springs, Calif. No DUI arrests were made during the DUI checkpoint held on Dec 11, 2020; however, 9 drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license. Additionally, 1 driver was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and 1 passenger was arrested for outstanding misdemeanor warrants. Overall, 469 vehicles were screened during the checkpoint. The checkpoint was held in the 2300 block of E. Ramon Rd. from 6:30 pm to12:00 am. Checkpoint locations are based on a history of crashes and DUI arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired. As the state continues to work to stop the spread of COVID-19, the Palm Springs Police Department is committed to keeping the public safe when they are traveling. Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.