Press Releases

Details:

On Friday, July 17th, 2020, at 7:00 P.M., the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force with the assistance of the Palm Desert Special Enforcement Team, conducted a search warrant service at a residence in the 91000 block of Seventh Street in the unincorporated community of Mecca.  The search warrant stemmed from an investigation into an assault with a firearm that occurred on July 14th and a brandishing of a firearm that occurred on July 16th.  Both incidents occurred in Mecca.  None of the victims were injured during the incidents.

During the search warrant Gang Task Force Officers arrested a 17-year-old male juvenile for Assault with a Deadly Weapon.  The 17-year-old-juvenile is a documented criminal street gang member.  Gang Task Force Officers also arrested a 14-year-old male juvenile for Brandishing a Firearm.  The 14-year-old juvenile is a documented criminal street gang member.  Finally, Gang Task Force Officers arrested Benjamin Pinela, 37 of Coachella, for four outstanding Felony Arrest Warrants for Vehicle Theft, Possession of Stolen Property, Identity Theft and Auto Theft with Priors.  Pinela is a documented criminal street gang member.  Both juveniles were booked at Indio Juvenile Hall.  Pinela was booked at John Benoit Detention Center in Indio.

The Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force is committed to creating safe and secure neighborhoods free of violent crime and gang activity. If you have any information about this crime, please contact CVVCGTF member Officer DiMaggio at (760) 836-1600. If you have non-emergency information regarding gang activity, please use our online Gang Task Force Tip Form or call 951-922-7601.

Benjamin Pinela