Burglary Investigation Leads to Firearm and Drug Sales Arrests 

December 8, 2023 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on December 7, 2023, Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies assigned to the City of La Quinta’s Special Enforcement Team served a search warrant within the 82000 block of Indio Boulevard in the city of Indio. The search warrant stemmed from a burglary in which a golf cart was stolen in the City of La Quinta on November 26, 2023.

During the service of the search warrant, over a quarter pound of suspected methamphetamine, 22 suspected Fentanyl pills, and other items related to drug sales were located. Additionally, one of the subjects at the location was found to be in possession of a loaded Springfield 9mm handgun.

The suspects were identified as 39-year-old Lydia Ruiz, who was arrested for burglary, vehicle theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of probation. 29-year-old Erick Maldonado was arrested for possession of narcotics with a loaded firearm, a felon in possession of ammunition, and a felon in possession of a firearm. 29-year-old Brandon White was arrested for possession of narcotics for sale, and 33-year-old Mestisa Labuen was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant for conspiracy.

Anyone with information on this crime is encouraged to call Deputy Martin at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station at (760) 863-8990.

Reporting Deputy: Sergeant LaFond

File # LA233300044 / C232410013

Source & photo: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office