Author: KESQ

City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A convicted felon who shot a Riverside County sheriff’s deputy when the lawman attempted to arrest him at the end of a pursuit in Coachella was convicted today of firearm assault on a peace officer and other charges, though jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the most serious allegation.

An Indio jury deliberated two days before finding Gildardo Davila Jr., 35, guilty of the assault count, along with two counts of being a felon in possession of a gun and one count of possession of controlled substances, with sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations.

However, the panel was unable to overcome an impasse on the charge of attempted murder of a peace officer, leading Superior Court Judge Ronald Toff to declare a mistrial on that count.  

Jurors acquitted Davila of a felony evading charge.   

It was unclear whether the District Attorney’s Office intends to retry the attempted murder charge.

A sentencing hearing is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 6 at the Larson Justice Center. Davila is being held in lieu of $5 million bail at the Benoit Detention Center.

According to a sheriff’s arrest warrant declaration, shortly before 8 p.m. on May 25, 2017, Deputy David Solis was in his patrol unit, passing the intersection of First and Harrison streets in Coachella, when he spotted a yellow Ford Mustang with paper plates commit an unspecified traffic violation.

Deputy David Solis (2017)

Solis signaled the driver — later identified as Davila — to pull over, but he floored the sports car instead, triggering a chase, according to the affidavit.

“During the pursuit, the deputy witnessed the suspect throw a handgun from the vehicle,” the document stated. “The deputy witnessed the driver of the vehicle commit numerous vehicle code violations and drive without due regard for the public.”

Because of the escalating dangers to other drivers, a sheriff’s sergeant directed Solis to end the pursuit, which he did, allowing the Mustang to drive out of sight. However, within a couple of minutes, Solis came upon the Mustang again, parked in the area of Calle Mendoza and Las Flores Avenue, according to court papers.   

When the deputy pulled near the Mustang, Davila allegedly fled from the vehicle on foot, carrying a duffel bag. Solis remained in his patrol unit and followed the fleeing man until he ran out of viable roadway in a field, at which point the deputy ran after the defendant, according to the prosecution.

“As the deputy closed the gap on Davila, the suspect turned toward the deputy,” the declaration said. “At this point, the deputy positively identified Davila as a person he has had multiple past contacts with. Davila had a gun and began shooting in the deputy’s direction, striking him multiple times.”  

Solis was hit in the left hand, resulting in damage to his fingers. His protective vest prevented one bullet from the 9mm pistol from penetrating his stomach, but another round hit him just above the collar bone, court papers alleged.

The gunfire knocked Solis to the ground, giving Davila time to get away before other patrol units converged on the location, investigators said.   

The defendant allegedly ran to a familiar area, changed clothes and dumped some of his belongings, then headed to Mexico, according to prosecutors.   

Solis underwent surgery at a regional trauma center and ultimately recovered from his wounds, returning to duty weeks later.   

Investigators seized 200 grams of methamphetamine and 30 grams of heroin, along with an AR-15 rifle, among the items left behind by Davila, court papers alleged. The 9mm handgun was found in the field, near from where the shooting occurred.

Davila was tracked to Mexicali, Mexico, where Mexican state police took him into custody without incident a week later. He was immediately extradited to the U.S. and jailed in Riverside County.

He has documented prior convictions for auto theft and felony possession of controlled substances, for which he served time in prison.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Kimberly Barraza was appointed the new president of the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board.

“It is an exciting time for the Healthcare District, as we enter 2026 and continue our strategic planning process which will help determine our Board and staff priorities for the next several years,” Christensen said. “We look forward to supporting President Barraza and the entire Board as we work together to advance community wellness in the Coachella Valley.”

Barraza joined the Board in November 2022, elected to a four-year term by Coachella Valley voters. She is a resident of the District’s zone six, which encompasses a majority of Indio and Coachella.

She currently serves on the Program Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and as chairperson of the Legislative Policy Committee. One of her first duties as president will be to appoint fellow Board Directors to various committees.

“I am honored to serve as Board President of the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation,” President Barraza said in a written statement. “Our region continues to face significant health challenges, and this role comes with a responsibility to lead with transparency, collaboration, and a deep commitment to equity. I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members, staff, and community partners to strengthen access to care, invest in prevention, and ensure our resources are used in ways that truly improve health outcomes for the residents of the Coachella Valley.”

Completing the Board leadership for 2026, Directors Greg Rodriguez (zone one) and Dr. Daniel Logsdon (zone three) will continue as vice-president and treasurer, respectively. Director Leticia DeLara (zone seven), a former Board president, will serve as secretary.

The seven-member Board also includes Carole Rogers (zone two) and Evett PerezGil (zone four).

Following the resignation of Director Arthur Shorr on November 30, the Board’s zone five seat is currently vacant. However, applicants are being accepted until 5 p.m. Jan. 5. (See the zone boundaries by visiting our interactive Hummingbird map.)

Interested residents are asked to submit a cover letter and résumé to Desert Healthcare District & Foundation CEO Chris Christensen to be considered for the Board seat. Applications may be submitted by email to info@dhcd.org. Interviews will be conducted by the Board at a special public meeting with the possible appointment of a new Director on Jan. 8.

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City News Service

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – A 37-year-old transient accused of holding up two businesses in Banning using a fake gun was charged today with second-degree robbery and other offenses.

Codi Jay Shelton was arrested earlier this week following a Banning Police Department investigation.

Along with robbery, Shelton is charged with sentence-enhancing allegations of using a weapon during the commission of a felony and being a prior-strike felon.

He’s being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Smith Correctional Facility and was slated to make his initial court appearance Friday afternoon at the Banning Justice Center.

According to police, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Shelton allegedly approached the counter of a Jack-in-the-Box restaurant at 6350 W. Ramsey St. and flashed what appeared to be a handgun, prompting staff to back away.   

“The subject stole cash from one of the registers and fled on foot,” police Capt. Brandon Smith said.

He said that patrol officers responded to restaurant employees’ 911 calls and initiated a search of the area based on descriptions, which indicated the perpetrator had “tattoos on his face.” However, the bandit couldn’t be located.

Officers reviewed security surveillance video from inside the eatery and confirmed the alleged robber’s identity — Shelton — Smith said.   

The defendant was located less than three hours later and taken into custody without incident on West Beaumont Avenue.   

Smith said a replica pistol and cash from the robbery were allegedly seized from Shelton.  

During the investigation, officers also tied him to a hold-up that occurred early Sunday morning at a Walgreens on North Highland Avenue, where a man matching the defendant’s description threatened a clerk with what appeared to be a handgun, grabbing money from a register and running away, according to the captain.

Shelton was positively identified as the alleged robber.   

No one was injured in either hold-up.   

Court records indicated that Shelton has at least two documented prior felony convictions, but they weren’t listed.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation provided a donation to AAP – Food Samaritans for a special one-time grocery voucher program to provide immediate relief to low-income community members.

AAP’s long-standing nutritional support program provides monthly food vouchers to low-income individuals living with chronic illnesses. The program has been at capacity for years, even as requests for help continue to rise sharply.

“The need is heartbreaking and growing by the week,” said Mark Anton, Executive Director of AAP – Food Samaritans. “Our phones ring constantly with people who are struggling to buy basic groceries. While our core program is full, we couldn’t ignore the overwhelming number of calls from those in crisis.”

AAP officials said the Berger Foundation stepped forward with a donation that allows AAP to distribute one-time emergency grocery vouchers to individuals experiencing food insecurity but who do not currently receive monthly assistance from AAP.

“The Berger Foundation has always been committed to uplifting our community, especially in moments when people feel forgotten or overwhelmed,” said Catherine Reed, Executive Vice President of Charitable Programs. “No one should go hungry—especially during the holidays.”

Those in need of these one-time vouchers must call AAP – Food Samaritans directly at 760-325-8481. Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified individuals.

Anton emphasized that while the Berger Foundation’s gift is transformative, the need extends far beyond this emergency effort.

“We hope the community will join the Berger Foundation in the true spirit of Christmas,” he said. “Every contribution helps someone facing an empty cupboard during what should be a season of warmth and togetherness.”

To donate or learn more, visit www.aapfoodsamaritans.org or call 760-325-8481.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Invitational (CVI) announced the match schedule for the 2026 preseason tournament in Indio, featuring MLS and NWSL teams.

The tournament takes place at the Empire Polo Club from February 7–21.

The CVI will host 12 Major League Soccer (MLS) and 9 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, making it CVI’s largest event ever. Participating clubs will be Austin FC, Bay FC, San Jose Earthquakes, D.C. United, LA Galaxy, LAFC, Chicago Fire FC, New York City FC, Sporting Kansas City, Kansas City Current, San Diego Wave FC, Denver Summit, St. Louis City SC, Angel City FC, Portland Timbers, Portland Thorns, Minnesota United FC, Charlotte FC, Houston Dash, Utah Royals FC and Seattle Reign FC.

Both Southern California NWSL clubs, Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC, will return to the desert for their third time. The Denver Summit FC will play their first-ever match, and Kansas City Current and Utah Royals will make their CVI debut, reinforcing the importance of the event for the NWSL clubs ahead of an exciting 2026 season.  

Due to San Diego FC’s selection in the Concacaf Champions Cup Draw, the club is unable to join the Coachella Valley Invitational. 

“2026 marks the FIFA World Cup’s return to U.S. soil and this year’s CVI not only builds momentum for the global tournament ahead but gives fans unprecedented access to the sport’s biggest stars,” the CVI said in a statement.

Early Bird pricing is now available for General Admission Day Passes and will start at $34. Pricing for General Admission Weekend Passes (Feb 7-8 and Feb 14-15) will start at $68. Pricing and savings vary by date. Early Bird Pricing ends January 5. To purchase passes, visit coachellavalleyinvitational.com/passes.  

Coachella Valley Invitational Schedule 

MLS DAY 1: Saturday, Feb. 7 

St. Louis CITY SC vs Austin FC at 11 a.m. PT 

San Jose Earthquakes vs Charlotte FC at 12 p.m. PT 

Minnesota United FC vs Sporting Kansas City at 1:30 p.m. PT 

Portland Timbers vs D.C. United at 2:30 p.m. PT 

MLS DAY 2: Sunday, Feb. 8 

LA Galaxy vs. Chicago Fire FC at 10 a.m. PT 

LAFC vs. New York City FC at 12 p.m. PT 

MLS DAY 3: Wednesday, Feb. 11 

Austin FC vs. Chicago Fire FC at 10 a.m. PT 

LA Galaxy vs. St. Louis CITY SC at 11 a.m. PT 

D.C. United vs. Minnesota United FC at 12:30 p.m. PT 

Sporting Kansas City vs New York City FC at 1:30 p.m. PT 

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers at 3 p.m. PT 

MLS DAY 4: Saturday, Feb. 14 

Austin FC vs Sporting Kansas City at 10 a.m. PT 

Chicago Fire FC vs. Portland Timbers at 10 a.m. PT 

Charlotte FC vs Minnesota United FC at 10 a.m. PT 

New York City FC vs San Jose Earthquakes at 1 p.m. PT 

NWSL DAY 1: Sunday, Feb. 15 

Kansas City Current vs. San Diego Wave FC at 10:30 a.m. PT 

Bay FC vs. Houston Dash at 11 a.m. PT 

Portland Thorns vs. Angel City FC at 1 p.m. PT 

Denver Summit FC vs. Utah Royals FC at 2 p.m. PT  

NWSL DAY 2: Saturday, Feb. 21 

Houston Dash vs. Portland Thorns at 10:30 a.m. PT 

San Diego Wave FC vs. Denver Summit FC at 12 p.m. PT 

Angel City FC vs. Seattle Reign FC at 1:30 p.m. PT 

The LA Galaxy Foundation Golf Tournament will return to the Coachella Valley on Friday, February 6th at Desert Willow Golf Resort. The event will give fans an opportunity to hit the links alongside LA Galaxy Players, Coaches, and Alumni while enjoying premium giveaways, games, and prizes. To participate, please visit www.lagalaxy.com/golf  

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A 38-year-old man accused of siphoning almost $100,000 from the bank accounts of a Palm Desert senior was charged today with grand theft and financial elder abuse.  

Miguel Angel Gonzalez of Coachella was arrested Monday following a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department investigation that began in August.   

Gonzalez, who is being held at the Benoit Detention Center in lieu of $50,000 bail, was slated to make his initial court appearance Wednesday afternoon at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

According to sheriff’s Sgt. Jeff Cryder, deputies received a report in the latter half of August alleging that Gonzalez had been involved in a years-long series of thefts targeting the victim, identified only as a resident of the 100 block of Gold Canyon Drive.

The specific relationship between the defendant and victim was not disclosed.

Cryder said detectives spent several months investigating the matter, ultimately determining that Gonzalez was allegedly responsible for unauthorized transactions in which he had diverted tens of thousands of dollars to himself for personal use.

It was unclear how the victim became aware of the alleged embezzlement.   

Deputies served an arrest warrant on Gonzalez at his home in the 84000 block of Calle Diego Monday afternoon, when he was taken into custody without incident.

He has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Papa Dan’s will soon make its return to Palm Desert, nearly a year and a half after it was destroyed in a fire.

Papa Dan’s, along with three other businesses in Palm Desert, burned down in April of 2024, after an arson attack. The restaurant first opened its doors in 1984.

It’s been a long road to recovery. Earlier this year, Ira Mosley, the owner of the long-time restaurant, recounted the hurdles he has had to overcome.

As the restaurant nears reopening early in 2026, it will be opening its doors to city leaders Wednesday afternoon to tour the new space. Ahead of that tour, for the first time, Mosley is giving News Channel 3 a chance to look inside the restaurant that has been steadily working towards rebuilding.

We’re showing you inside and hearing from Mosley about the long journey it’s taken to reopen the Palm Desert staple. Stay with us for the latest updates.

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Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — Two separate shootings near Quail Avenue in Indio have left residents shaken in recent weeks.

On Tuesday, police responded to reports of gunfire. Officers located two crime scenes — one on Dove Street and another on Bluejay Street — and found a 23-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No arrests have been made, and the Indio Police Department continues to investigate.

This shooting occurred just steps from an earlier deadly incident on Nov. 20, when a man was shot and killed near Quail Avenue and Bluejay Street. Four men were arrested in connection with the deadly shooting.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more on the Indio Police Department’s response.

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Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – While the CV Link opened in November, several parts of the stretch remain unfinished including a crosswalk at the Ramon Road bridge in Palm Springs. 

The Ramon crossing stands at the entrance of Palm Springs from Cathedral City, and often sees drivers traveling at fast speeds across the bridge.

News Channel 3 reached out to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) for more information on their efforts to make the crossing safe.

In a statement, officials said they had originally planned an under crossing when construction to widen the bridge was finished, but have now began construction due to high demand.

Still, that leaves no safe option for riders to cross the bridge while under construction.

While News Channel 3 was on the scene, crews spotted several riders waiting up to 10 minutes for a gap in traffic to cross.

Speaking with travelers, several hailed the Link for it’s innovative connection through the Valley. However, many acknowledged the lack of safe crossways have made their travels unnerving, forcing many to turn around.

“I will not go if it’s unsafe. You know, if I have to race across, we’ll just turn around,” Sherrey and Dan Morrison from Washington state said.

“I’m not going to cross that road. No, it’s too busy. Cars don’t see you or people are fiddling with their texts. Even if you’ve got a bike lane, I’ve seen people weave in and out,” Tom Adair from Palm Springs said.

Others said they can wait for traffic, but wish the pathway had opened finished.

“Especially with the winter coming, there’s more traffic on road. So you got to wait a little bit and it’s challenging sometimes to get across, but you just have to wait … My husband won’t come with me though, because of this,” Chris Jaimerson of Palm Springs said.

CVAG says construction on the under crossing is estimated to be finished sometime next week.

Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Tauli Anderson

MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) – Helping students build independence through hands-on learning, that’s the goal for one local school teacher, and now she’s being recognized for all her hard work.

News Channel 3’s Tauli Anderson highlights the December winner for the One Class at a Time award, Ms. Shana Saquil, a teacher at Saul Martinez Elementary School.

Do you know a teacher you would like to nominate for the One Class at a Time Award? Click here to make a nomination.

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