2 Armed Teens Carjack Victims In Palm Desert, La Quinta: RSO

PALM DESERT, CA — Two armed juveniles who allegedly carjacked a motorist Tuesday evening in Palm Desert are believed to be connected to another carjacking earlier in the day, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The minors, both aged 16, allegedly responded to a Facebook Messenger ad about a vehicle for sale. The seller, a 21-year-old Coachella man, agreed to meet the teens in the 34000 block of Monterey Avenue in Palm Desert Tuesday evening to show them his vehicle, the sheriff's department reported.

Once at the meeting spot, the juveniles demanded the man's keys. When he refused, the teens flashed guns and assaulted the man, threatening to kill him, according to the sheriff's department.

The teens got the keys and stole the vehicle, but quickly abandoned it near the 74000 block of Jeri Lane in Palm Desert. They took off on foot but were nabbed by deputies near Gerald Ford Drive and Shepherd Lane, according to the sheriff's department.

Two guns allegedly used in the heist were found near the abandoned vehicle, the department reported.

The teens were also identified as being involved in another carjacking that occurred in La Quinta at 12:37 a.m. Tuesday, according to the sheriff's department.

Both teens were booked into juvenile hall on suspicion of carjacking, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, and illegally possessing firearms, according to the sheriff's department.

Due to their age, the teens' identities were not released.

Anyone with information about the Palm Desert incident is asked to call Deputy James at the Palm Desert Sheriff's Station at 760-836-1600. Anyone with information regarding the La Quinta investigation is asked to contact Investigator Glasper at the Thermal Sheriff Station by calling 760-863-8950.