Suspect Shot By Police In Desert Hot Springs

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA — An investigation was continuing Monday into a shooting by Desert Hot Springs police that left a theft suspect wounded.

At 10:59 a.m. Sunday, officers spotted a vehicle at Indian Canyon and 20th Avenue that they believed was connected to a previous kidnapping and firearm-brandishing report, according to a statement issued by Deputy Chief Steven Shaw.

After police tried unsuccessfully to stop the vehicle, the driver, 50-year-old Jason Gieling, allegedly "led two police officers on a pursuit into the open desert" and "got out of the car with a handgun in his hand," according to the statement.

A shooting ensued, and Gieling was wounded and taken to a hospital, where he was still recovering from injuries "not believed to be life-threatening" as of Sunday night, according to police. It was unclear if Gieling fired any shots, but no other injuries were reported.

Gieling was wanted on a felony warrant for grand theft, Shaw said.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office will handle the investigation of the shooting, per department protocol.