Attempt Murder Arrest
March 24, 2023 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on February 17, 2023, Riverside Sheriff’s Thermal Station patrol units responded to the 49200 block of Grapefruit Boulevard in 
Coachella regarding a shooting. Upon arrival, there was limited information about the involved parties; however, numerous shell casings were located in the area. No injuries were reported, and no businesses were struck. The Thermal Station Special Investigations Unit assumed the investigation.
During the investigation, the victims were identified as 16-year-old and 17-year-old juvenile residents of Coachella. The suspects were positively identified as Salomon Cruz-Rodriguez Jr., a 19-year-old and a 14-year-old juvenile, both residents of Coachella. On March 23, 2023, the Special Investigations Unit located Salomon Cruz-Rodriguez Jr. in the 84100 block of Laguna Lane, Coachella, and the 14-year-old juvenile in the 85800 block of Avenida Grace, in the city of Coachella.
With the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, the Thermal Station Special Investigations Unit served search warrants at their residences. As a result, Salomon Cruz-Rodriguez Jr. and the 14-year-old juvenile were taken into custody without incident. During the search warrants, firearms were recovered.
An additional search warrant was served in the 83500 block of Jade Rock Road, in the city of Coachella, with the assistance of the Southern Coachella Valley Community Service District Team, where an additional firearm was recovered.
Salomon Cruz-Rodriguez Jr. was booked at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio for Attempt Murder. Additionally, the 14-year-old juvenile was booked at the Juvenile Hall in Indio for Attempt Murder.
The Thermal Station Special Investigations Unit asks anyone with additional information to contact Corporal McTigue at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station by calling (760)-863–2813. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Valley Crimestoppers at (760) 341–7867.
Reporting Deputy: Sergeant David Aldrich
File # Y230480034
Source & photos: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office
