Charges have been filed against a 53-year-old suspect identified as Kelly Lynette Cronn in the aftermath of a deputy-involved shooting in Palm Desert, according to information provided by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Cronn, a resident of the area, was charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer. She is currently recovering from injuries sustained during the incident while in custody at the Riverside University Health Systems Detention Care Unit. This update follows an initial response to a reported burglary early Sunday morning that escalated quickly when deputies encountered a knife-wielding suspect.
The encounter began when deputies responded to a distress call around 2:45 a.m. at the 49000 block of State Highway 74, were informed by a caller hiding in a bedroom of a possible intruder inside the residence. Responders found an unsecured door, which they entered, subsequently detaining one suspect without further ado. A tense moment arose when a second suspect emerged, knife in hand, from a back room. Deputies issued commands to drop the weapon, but the commands were refused, and a shooting ensued. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department reported that Cronn was provided medical aid and transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The unharmed party from the call was left unscathed, while the individual detained alongside Cronn was questioned and later released, indicating no further suspects were at large. In compliance with department policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave. Both the identities of the deputy and the initial subject detained remain undisclosed at this time.
The incident is now under the jurisdiction of the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, specifically the Sheriff's Force Investigations Detail, to ensure a complete and transparent investigation. Witnesses or individuals with additional information are encouraged to immediately reach out to either District Attorney Investigator J.R. Ferrer or Riverside County Sheriff's Master Investigator Martin Alfaro. In a statement obtained by Hoodline, the Sheriff's Department has assured that the investigation will thoroughly assess the situation surrounding the shooting.
