Palm Desert Target Store Temporarily Evacuated Due To Suspect With Gun

PALM DESERT, CA — The Palm Desert Target store was temporarily evacuated Thursday afternoon after an altercation broke out, and one of the people involved was armed with a handgun, according to the sheriff's department.

Deputies responded around 1 p.m. to the retailer located at 72549 Highway 111 following a report of the fight.

Riverside County Sheriff's Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Deirdre Vickers told City News Service that one person involved was armed with a handgun and fled the location before deputies arrived.

"Out of an abundance of caution, deputies evacuated the business and conducted a search for victims or additional suspects; none were located," Vickers told CNS. "A firearm was recovered inside the business, and the suspect was located and taken into custody."

It was unclear where deputies found the suspect, who was not immediately identified.

No injuries were reported, Vickers said. No other suspects were outstanding.

According to a report from News Channel 3, employees and shoppers were allowed back into the store at about 2:50 p.m.