A routine check on a reported stolen recreational vehicle in Palm Desert led deputies to a much larger discovery this week. On Monday afternoon, authorities detained 37-year-old Shayne Hiemstra after recovering the stolen vehicle in the city's 74000 block of Leslie Avenue, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
However, this was not a simple case of vehicle theft, as the incident unfolded, a search warrant executed at the location splayed open the dark innards of an illegal operation. Deputies uncovered not just illegal firearms, and narcotics, but also 3D printers — presumed to be linked to the illegal manufacturing of firearms, as detailed by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Adding to the severity of the situation, during their search, deputies found an unsecured loaded firearm in a bedroom belonging to a juvenile.
The Riverside Sheriff's Department swiftly apprehended Hiemstra, booking him into the John Benoit Detention Center. He faces a slate of charges including possession of a stolen vehicle, weapon-related offenses, possession of illegal narcotics, and importantly, child endangerment.
Deputy Stapleton, lead on the case invites anybody with further information regarding the case to come forward, reaching out to the Palm Desert Sheriff's Station at 760–836–1600. Tips can also be discreetly filed through the Crime Tips Online Form.
