Three suspects were cuffed following a brazen attempted burglary after a high-speed chase in Thousand Palms, according to Riverside County Sheriff’s officials. In a statement, Sergeant Rovann Cleveland said officers responded to an alarm on January 18, around 3:50 a.m., to find significant damage to a business in the 38000 block of El Viento.
A review of surveillance footage revealed a white Kia Optima smashing into the doors, failing to gain entry. Deputies patrolling Palm Desert later spotted the car, which kicked off a chase as the suspects attempted to flee at a high rate of speed. Crashing into a fence, the three individuals ditched the car, only to be nabbed by law enforcement.
The trio busted in connection with the failed heist were identified as 20-year-old Terijon Wilkerson from Victorville, 18-year-old Kyvon Payne of Boron, and an unnamed juvenile. Another piece of the puzzle emerged at 4:31 a.m. when deputies stumbled upon a disabled black Hyundai Sonata on Adelaid Street, which was also involved in an unsuccessful smash-and-grab attempt at another business.
According to the official report from the Riverside Sheriff's Department, both vehicles had been reported as stolen from San Bernardino. The investigation is still underway, with authorities open to the possibility that more suspects could be at large.
Wilkerson and Payne are currently facing burglary charges and have been booked into John Benoit Detention Center, Indio. The juvenile, involved in the same crime, is being held at Juvenile Hall on similar charges. The Sheriff’s Department is urging anyone with information to call Deputy Lara of the Burglary Suppression Unit.
