The Riverside County Sheriff's Office has shared updates regarding the deputy-involved shooting on October 18 in the unincorporated Thousand Palms area. The update detailed the suspects involved and the condition of the injured deputy and one of the suspects. The investigation proceeds, with a clearer narrative gradually emerging, according to the press release of the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.
On October 18, deputies sought a suspect in a felony hit and run case in Riverside County. Upon approaching a vehicle with two occupants, they attempted to detain the driver. Unexpectedly, the passenger fired at the deputies, who returned fire. Afterward, the passenger barricaded himself in the vehicle, defying the deputies' commands, as reported by Hoodline.
The confrontation escalated, demanding the involvement of the Riverside Sheriff's Special Enforcement Bureau, California Highway Patrol, and other agencies to resolve. In the gunfire exchange, the deputy and the suspect both sustained injuries. They were taken to a local hospital and their condition is stable. The vehicle's driver was arrested and booked on an outstanding felony warrant, as per the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.
The investigators on October 19 identified the driver as Jose Eduardo Rosales Perez, a 34-year-old from Desert Hot Springs, who was then detained on three counts of attempted murder of a peace officer, as reported by ABC 7. Two days later, they identified the second suspect as 27-year-old Kristian Galeana of Thousand Palms, who faced similar charges. However, both he and the unnamed deputy remain hospitalized.
The authorities face challenges in the ongoing investigation, trying to unearth the motivations and circumstances that led to the incident. As more details emerge, the public gains a clearer view of the events involved.
Being assigned to lead the investigation, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office and the California Highway Patrol will ensure proper procedures and policies are adhered to during this process, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Riverside County District Attorney Investigator Mario Moreno or Riverside County Sheriff's Master Investigator Martin Alfaro.
