February 22, 2023 - Riverside, CA - Riverside County Sheriff's Department officials reported that on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 2:53 a.m., deputies responded to the 45300 block of Garden Square, Palm Desert, regarding an assault with a deadly weapon. The investigation revealed both victims were followed to the location by two suspects, 18-year-old Jorge Morales and 19-year-old Jayden Garcia, residents of Cathedral City. Morales and Garcia were known to both victims. One victim was struck multiple times and sustained a single gunshot wound to his face. He was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The other victim, who was uninjured, had allegedly been stalked by Morales for several weeks before the assault.

Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station patrol deputies, the Palm Desert Investigations Bureau, Palm Desert Burglary Suppression Unit, and Desert Regional SWAT apprehended Morales and Garcia as they attempted to flee a residence in the 68700 block of 33rd Avenue, Cathedral City.

Morales and Garcia were booked at the John Benoit Detention Center. Morales was booked in for attempted murder, stalking, and conspiracy. Garcia was booked in for assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy.

Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Daniel Milbrandt

File # T230520009

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call Investigator Lugo at 760-836-1600.

Source & photos: Riverside County Sheriff's Department