Crime & Safety
Domestic Dispute Suspect Arrested By K9 Cop In Indio
A K9 deputy from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department took down the suspect who fled following a violent car pursuit, cops say.
INDIO, CA — Felony charges were filed Wednesday against a domestic violence suspect who allegedly fled from authorities and used his vehicle to ram sheriff's vehicles during the pursuit.
Jose Lopez Jr., 35, was charged with five felony counts, one each of stalking, criminal threats to cause death or great bodily harm, dissuading a victim, assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, and evading arrest, according to court records. He was additionally charged with three misdemeanor counts, one each of violating a stay away court order, driving under the influence and willfully resisting or obstructing an officer.
He's scheduled to be arraigned at the Larson Justice Center in Indio on Wednesday afternoon.
Find out what's happening in Palm Desertfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
At about 1:25 a.m. Sunday, deputies from the sheriff's Thermal station were pursuing Lopez in the 47000 block of Indio Boulevard, according to Sgt. Matthew Allert of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
Allert said Lopez was wanted on suspicion of several felonies, including stalking, domestic violence and criminal threats.
Find out what's happening in Palm Desertfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
During the pursuit, Lopez used his vehicle to ram pursuing sheriff's vehicles, according to Allert. He subsequently lost control of his vehicle and collided with a fence, disabling his vehicle.
Lopez ran away but was apprehended with the assistance of a RCSD service dog, Allert said.
He was booked at the John J. Benoit Detention Center in Indio, where he was being held on $1 million bail.
Anyone with information on the investigation was asked to contact Deputy Martin of the Thermal station at 760-863-8990 or report tips anonymously at 760-341-STOP(7867).
