February 8, 2023 – The San Bernardino County Sheriff reported on Sunday, February 5, 2023, deputies with the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station responded to a reported box trailer fire, at Indio Avenue and Canterbury Street in Yucca Valley. Upon arriving, deputies observed a man, believed to have started the trailer fire, and attempted to make contact with him. The suspect fled from deputies and a pursuit ensued.

The pursuit lasted approximately 35 minutes and came to an end at the Whitewater Cutoff, north of the 10 Freeway in Palm Springs, when the suspect attempted to drive off the freeway and the vehicle became disabled. A lethal force encounter occurred, and the suspect was hit by gunfire. The suspect in this case was identified on February 7, 2023, as Antonio Garza of Yucca Valley.

Investigators with the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division responded to assess the situation. The  lethal force encounter occurred in Riverside County and is being investigated by the Riverside Sheriff’s Department.

Case No. DR#092300213 / H#2023-018

INCIDENT:  Suspected Arson, Evading, Lethal Force Encounter 

LOCATION: Indio Avenue and Canterbury Street, Yucca Valley

SUSPECT(S): Antonio Garza, 44-year-old resident of Yucca Valley (Male Adult-Deceased)

Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff