Suspect Arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon 

May 21, 2026 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, about 11:00 a.m., deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station responded to the 72000 block of Ramon Road in the unincorporated area of Thousand Palms, regarding the report of an assault with a deadly weapon. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the victim, who reported being threatened with a firearm during a verbal altercation and advised that the suspect fled the location before deputies arrived.

The Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station Robbery and Burglary Suppression Team assumed the investigation and identified Ronnie Lee Mankins, a 41-year-old resident of Thousand Palms, as the suspect.

On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at about 12:30 p.m., Mankins was located near the 32000 block of Monterey Avenue in Thousand Palms. With the assistance of the Riverside Sheriff’s K9 Unit and the Rancho Mirage Problem-Oriented Policing Team, Mankins was taken into custody without incident.

Mankins was transported and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, and evading. This is an ongoing investigation, and no additional details will be released.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Smith of the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station at (760) 836-1600.

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Jack Rutigliano

File # O261330012

Source: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office