Burglary Suspect Arrested
August 1, 2025 – Riverside County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Saturday, June 7, 2025, about 11:50 a.m., 
deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station responded to the 40 block of Via Del Rossi in the city of Rancho Mirage regarding the report of a burglary. The victim reported that on June 4, 2025, at 2:25 a.m., an unknown male was captured on video surveillance entering the residence and stealing an electric bicycle.
The Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station Robbery and Burglary Suppression Team assumed the investigation and identified Esther Montoya, a 42-year-old resident of Coachella, as a suspect.
On Friday, July 25, 2025, at about 4:20 p.m., with the assistance of the Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells Special Enforcement Teams, a search warrant was served at Montoya’s residence located in the 51400 block of Ponderosa Drive in the city of Coachella. During the service of the search warrant, Montoya was taken into custody without incident. Evidence was obtained regarding a second suspect who was identified as Ruben Galindo, a 42-year-old resident of Coachella.
On Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 12:34 p.m., with the assistance of the Riverside Sheriff’s K9 Unit, the Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells Special Enforcement Teams, Galindo was located in the area of 7th Street and Orchard Avenue in the city of Coachella. When deputies attempted to contact Galindo, he fled on an unrelated electric bicycle and tried to discard a bag containing a loaded firearm and ammunition. Deputies were able to apprehend Galindo without further incident.
Montoya was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for aiding and abetting during the commission of a crime and grand theft. Galindo was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for first-degree residential burglary, conspiracy, being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, obstruction, and multiple counts of committing a felony while out of custody on bail.
This is an ongoing investigation, and no additional details will be released. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Paull of the Palm Desert Station by calling (760) 836-1600.
Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant James Mills
File # S251580017
Source: Riverside County Sheriff's Office
