Law Enforcement Search In La Quinta Nets Arrest

LA QUINTA, CA — An alleged vehicle thief who led a significant law enforcement search Friday morning in La Quinta was apprehended, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department confirmed.

Patrick Duran, 36, of Coachella surrendered following the hunt that included deputies on the ground, a K-9 unit, and a sheriff's helicopter overhead.

The search began at approximately 7:51 a.m. when sheriff's deputies and police officers with the Riverside Auto Theft Interdiction Detail spotted a stolen vehicle in the 79000 block of Highway 111 in La Quinta.

Deputies attempted to pull over the driver, who refused to comply, and a chase began, according to the sheriff's department.

The suspect driver and passenger quickly abandoned the vehicle and fled into surrounding residential neighborhoods.

Law enforcement tracked the driver to a residential backyard in the 79000 block of Shadow Trail. A perimeter was set up and the Riverside County sheriff’s helicopter crew made announcements asking residents to shelter in place.

With the help of a K-9, Duran was found hiding in a small storage building. He surrendered without incident.

The passenger was also found and detained, according to the sheriff's department.

Jail records show Duran was booked on suspicion of taking a vehicle without an owner's consent and possession of a stolen vehicle. He was being held at Indio's John Benoit Detention Center in lieu of $150,000 bail.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Deputy Molina of the Thermal Sheriff’s Station: 760-863-8990. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Valley Crimestoppers at 760-341-7867.

ORIGINAL POST:

A search was ongoing Friday morning in La Quinta for suspects in a stolen vehicle who fled from sheriff's deputies, with residents being advised to stay indoors.

At approximately 7:51 a.m., deputies spotted the vehicle near Highway 111 and Dune Palms Road and attempted to pull over the driver, according to Riverside County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Deirdre Vickers.

The driver didn't yield. Instead, multiple suspects jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot in the area of Shadow Trail, Vickers said.

Deputies were actively searching the area for the suspects, Vickers reported shortly after 9 a.m.

A K-9 unit and a sheriff's helicopter were also called in for the search.

Check back for updates.