March 16, 2023 - Riverside County Sheriff's Office officials reported that on January 11, 2023, approximately 2:00 A.M., deputies from the Riverside Sheriff’s Office, assigned to the Thermal Station responded to a business in the 86000 block of Avenue 54 in the City of Coachella, to investigate a burglary. During the investigation, it was determined the suspect forced his way into the business and when confronted by an on-site security guard, brandished a short-barreled shotgun. The security guard was able to escape unharmed and the incident was captured on video surveillance.

The Thermal Station’s Coachella Community Action Team (CCAT) assumed the investigation and positively identified the suspect as Carlos Ernesto Vasquez, a 34-year-old resident of Cathedral City. On March 14, 2023, Vasquez was located near the 79200 Block of Highway 111 in the city of La Quinta, by the Fugitives and Warrants Enforcement Team (FWET). Vasquez was taken into custody without incident and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a short-barreled shotgun, felon in possession of ammunition, and possession of stolen property.

Anyone with information related to this case or aware of additional incidents involving Vasquez is encouraged to contact Deputy Esteban Molina of the Thermal Station’s Coachella Community Action Team. (760) 863-8990.

Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Thomas Anderson

File # Y230110007

Source: Riverside County Sheriff's Office