Palm Desert Shooting Suspect Arrested During Warrant Search

PALM DESERT, CA — Officers served a search warrant at a Palm Desert residence on Tuesday, stemming from an extensive investigation into a gunshot wound victim from February.

Alexander Puentes-Rivera, 22, a resident of Palm Desert, was identified as the suspect in the Feb. 26 shooting after a lengthy investigation, according to Cleveland.

Rivera is being held at the John Benoit Detention Center on $10,000 bail, on pending felony charges. He is slated to next appear in court on May 1, at the Indio Larson Justice Center.

An underage juvenile was also arrested during the warrant search. However, their identity was not disclosed.

On Tuesday, the residential search warrant was served at the 74000 block of Petunia Place in Palm Desert, according to Sgt. Rovann Cleveland. The warrant was served with the assistance of the Rancho Mirage Special Enforcement Team and Riverside County’s Region 1 Gang Task Force, members of the Palm Desert Sheriff's Station Investigation Bureau.

"While searching his residence, several firearms were discovered, including unserialized guns. As a result, Puentes-Rivera and a 17-year-old juvenile were arrested. Puentes-Rivera was booked at the John Benoit Detention Center for possession of an assault rifle. The juvenile was booked at juvenile hall for possession of an illegal firearm."

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact Investigator Grasso of the Palm Desert Station at (760) 836–1600.