A Coachella teenager was taken into custody on Monday after allegedly threatening to harm members of his family. According to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, deputies arrived at a home on the 50000 block of Paseo Cadiz at approximately 3:05 p.m., following reports of a family disturbance.
The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Damien Ortiz, reportedly barricaded himself inside the residence when deputies attempted to make contact. The standoff ended peacefully after the Crisis Negotiation Team stepped in, convincing Ortiz to surrender. Following his arrest, Ortiz was booked at the John Benoit Detention Center for the charge of making criminal threats.
During the subsequent investigation, authorities executed a search warrant at the property, uncovering a cache that included several firearms, rounds of ammo, and a pair of airsoft pistols.
While details surrounding the incident are still emerging, the Riverside Sheriff's Department has opened the door to public input, encouraging anyone with pertinent knowledge about the case to reach out. Deputy Rocha at the Thermal Sheriff's Station, available at 760-863-8990, is the point of contact for such information. As for media queries, these are to be directed to the Media Information Bureau.
