Category: kesq-local-news

Shay Lawson

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ)  – The Cathedral City Police Department (CCPD) released dramatic video showing the moment a man attacked Officer Marcus Ayala with a knife.

Nathaniel Hanley, Cathedral City Police Commander, said the incident ended with Officer Ayala gaining control of the suspect and arresting him on scene.

He said Officer Ayala is back to full duty.

“He’s fully recovered and back to full duty,” Hanley said. “He received a slight injury during the scuffle, but he was able to come back to duty actually the following week.”

Riverside County jail records reveal the suspect, Juan Francisco Sosa Jr., 29, was charged with attempted murder and robbery.

CCPD said Officer Ayala responded to a 911 call around 3:11 p.m. on July 27 regarding a verbal disturbance between family members.

“The attack happened right as he got to the front door,” Hanley said.

The video captures the struggle and the moment additional officers arrived on scene.

Sosa pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is scheduled back to court on September 3.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from CCPD about the training that prepares officers for moments like this at 10 and 11 p.m.

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Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside University Health System — Public Health (RUHS-PH) officials are alerting the public to an increase in Valley fever cases in Riverside County.

Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection caused by inhaling fungal spores found in soil and dust, particularly in dry, windy conditions. The spores can be carried in the air when soil is disturbed, putting outdoor workers, construction crews, farmworkers, wildland firefighters, and people spending time in dusty environments at risk.

Riverside County confirmed 465 cases in 2024, RUHS officials said. So far this year, 322 cases have been reported– a 58% rise from the same time period last year that mirrors increases across the state related to changes in climate. RUHS – PH conducted interviews of 309 people with Valley fever; of those 59% had a co-existing condition such as diabetes and 36% worked outdoors.

“It is important to know about the risk of Valley fever if you work or spend time in dusty environments and have respiratory symptoms that are not getting better after seven to 10 days. Symptoms can look very similar to the flu and other respiratory illnesses,” said Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky.

Valley fever symptoms may appear one to three weeks after exposure and include fever, cough, chest pain, fatigue and shortness of breath. The illness often resolves on its own, though for some people it can progress to severe, chronic symptoms requiring treatment. Those at elevated risk for severe disease include adults over 60 and those with chronic health conditions or health conditions that weaken the immune system.

Anyone who works or spends time in dusty areas and is experiencing persistent respiratory symptoms is encouraged to consult a healthcare provider if they are concerned about Valley fever.

Dr. Chevinsky advises the following precautions to reduce the risk of contracting Valley fever:

Stay indoors, close windows and doors, and use air filtration during dust storms or windy conditions. Set auto air conditioning on “recirculate” when driving through dusty areas.Avoid dusty areas, such as construction sites. Consider wearing a face covering if you must be outdoors in these areas.Avoid gardening or other activities involving contact with soil in windy and dusty conditions. Before digging, wet soil to prevent stirring particles into the air. 

For more information, visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Valley fever, California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and Riverside University Health System at www.ruhealth.org.  

For questions or resources, call RUHS –PH Disease Control at 951-358-5107.

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The city of Indio will host a free, family-friendly event next month celebrating Hispanic heritage and culture in the downtown area.

The event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 13 at 82881 Miles Ave., city officials said. It will feature live entertainment, a piñata-making station for children, a kids zone and local food vendors highlighting culinary traditions.

“Indio is a city rooted in culture, family and tradition and !Viva Indio! is out way of honoring the contributions of the Hispanic community while a creating a space for everyone to come together and celebrate,” Mayor Glenn Miller said.

More information is available at indio.org.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A 37-year-old woman who walked away from a San Diego County Female Community Reentry Program was apprehended today in Perris.   

Angel Rayburn was taken into custody without incident by California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation agents, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced. The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office will decide whether she faces escape charges.

Rayburn walked away from the community reentry program Tuesday, officials said.

Since March 5, she has been serving a three-year sentence for evading a peace officer while driving the wrong way, assault with any means likely to produce great bodily injury to a peace officer and buying/receiving a stolen vehicle/trailer/construction equipment, officials said.

Rayburn arrived at the community reentry program Aug. 14, corrections officials said.

Since 1977, 99 percent of the incarcerated people who have escaped or walked away from an adult institution, camp, in-state contract bed or Community Rehabilitative Program Placement have been apprehended, according to the department.

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Peter Daut

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Millions of Americans are expected to hit the road this Labor Day weekend, but the holiday continues to rank among the deadliest for car wrecks. So News Channel 3 wanted to know where in the Coachella Valley are you most likely to get into a crash, and what’s being done about it? News Channel 3’s Peter Daut looked at the data from every Valley city, and what he found surprised even the police.

From Palm Springs to Rancho Mirage to Indio, there have been dozens of crashes throughout the Valley in 2025, many of them serious or even deadly. But we wanted to know exactly which intersections have had the most crashes. So we broke down the numbers from all nine Valley cities since the start of 2025, and here are the top three most dangerous:

Coming in at Number Three: Palm Drive and Dillon Road in Desert Hot Springs. There have been at least 15 reported collisions, with one injury, and one death. That death happened just a few weeks ago, involving a motorcycle rider. Security video obtained by News Channel 3 showed the moment that rider slammed into an SUV as it was turning. The impact, throwing him several feet into the air. A memorial now marks the spot where he died. Just five days earlier at the same intersection, cameras captured another crash: A driver suddenly lost control, slamming into a gas pump and sparking an explosion. Police said the driver was not seriously hurt, but had been speeding while under the influence.

“What is it about this intersection that makes it so dangerous?” Daut asked Desert Hot Springs Police Cpl. Sean McGuire. He answered: “There’s a lot of open land all north, south, east, west, it’s very rural seeming. A lot of people have a tendency to believe that despite the lowered speed limit that they can just fly through here.”

McGuire said he is surprised to find out the intersection ranks as the Valley’s third most dangerous, but he knows crashes there have been an ongoing issue. “What needs to happen here to make this intersection safer?” Daut asked him. He answered: “Well the city’s actually putting into place a lot of changes. In particular, they’re doing sidewalks down the majority of this roadway. They’re putting in lighting, a lot of our collisions occur at night as well, so that lighting should help a lot in regards to people walking up and down. Possibly putting inlets for law enforcement, so we can conduct traffic enforcement even safer.”

Coming in at the Number Two most dangerous: Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino in Palm Springs. Since the beginning of the year, there have been 20 reported crashes with eight injuries. Earlier this month, seven people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries after a four-car crash. Investigators said one of the drivers involved was intoxicated and charged with DUI. News Channel 3 has reported on the concerns of nearby residents, who say high-speed drivers and poor lighting along Vista Chino are to blame. “We’ve been talking about it for years about how dangerous this has gotten. It’s a lot more traffic than ever before coming through, and no lights. It’s completely dark. It’s actually risking your life to be in a car, let alone being on foot,” resident Jaymes Green said.

Palm Springs officials said that section of Vista Chino falls under Caltrans’ jurisdiction. We reached out to Caltrans to see what, if any, changes need to be made, and a spokesman responded that a study needs to be completed first.

And finally, coming in as the Number One most dangerous intersection in the Coachella Valley: Jackson Street and I-10 in Indio. Since January, there have been a whopping 27 reported crashes.

“I think people are impatient. We’re a culture of speed, and they want to get to their destination as quickly as possible,” Indio Police Lt. Andrew Leyva said. He also said nearby road construction on Avenue 44 has led to routine heavy congestion on Jackson street, especially during the afternoon. He said many drivers get tired of waiting to cross over the freeway, and so they roll through the intersection after the light has turned yellow. And that’s when a majority of the crashes tend to happen.

“Are you surprised this is the most dangerous intersection in the entire Coachella Valley?” Daut asked Leyva. He answered: “I am, especially when you showed me the other numbers compared to other agencies.”

Leyva said police know the intersection is a major problem, and that’s why officers are now stepping up enforcement. But he said drivers also need to do their part. “What we’re asking them is to change their behavior. Slowing down. Leave a little early to get to their destination, so they have enough time to get there on time.”

Construction on Avenue 44 is expected to be completed by next springs, so police are hopeful the intersection will be much safer by this time next year.

Other intersections in the Valley with a high number of crashes since the beginning of 2025: Ramon Road and Gene Autry Trail in Palm Springs (19 total collisions); Gene Autry Trail and Mesquite Ave/Dinah Shore Drive in Palm Springs (19 total collisions); Washington Street and Hwy 11 in La Quinta (11 total collisions).

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Kendall Flynn

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Two children are dead and 17 other people are injured, including 14 children and three adults, after a shooting at a Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Valley is home to numerous Catholic schools and churches, like the Saint Cecilia Catholic Community and the Diocese of San Bernardino, who said they are praying for families at this time.

“It’s just this feeling of impotence that we all free frustrated about not being able to do something about it,” Bishop Alberto Rojas with the Diocese said. “But I’ve been praying and feeling sorry and praying for the victims and for the people to find a solution to these issues.” 

The Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the shooter was armed with a riles, shotgun and pistol. They approached the side of the church and shot through the windows as children sat in the pews, during Mass at the Annunciation Catholic School.

The Diocese of San Bernardino tells News Channel 3 there is a state mandate for active shooter training in schools. The Diocese oversees the Catholic schools and parishes in the Valley, and they say teachers, children and parents received training every two years.

Even with the training officials said it’s still a difficult situation as they never know when they will occur. For small churches like Saint Cecilia they rely on faith.

“We have very little resources. We can’t afford a security guard. And we more of less trust common sense and trust God,” Pastor David Justin Lynch said. “I’m hoping everyone here is safe and that all the pastors at the various churches will take seriously their responsibility to keep their congregation safe.”

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from local Catholic leaders about their message to the community at this time and how they are leaning into their faith.

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Luis Avila

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – Parents are demanding answers and action after a violent fight involving multiple students broke out at Desert Mirage High School on Tuesday. The incident, caught on camera, has left families on edge and raised new concerns about student safety on campus.

Pedro, a parent who requested anonymity, says this isn’t an isolated issue.

“Frustrating. You wonder what’s going on at the school to check on your kids. If they’re involved. One never knows.”

Pedro, Thermal Resident

Pedro’s child attends Desert Mirage, and he says the circulating video immediately made him fear the worst.

He believes the Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) needs to do more to prevent these kinds of incidents, pointing to the need for increased campus security. However, he also emphasized the role of parents in keeping children out of harm’s way.

“I think there should be more security both inside and outside the campus… Us parents need to be more conscious and not let our children get involved where they shouldn’t. Be more attentive.”

Pedro, Thermal Resident

Pedro claims he has voiced his concerns to school officials but feels like they’ve gone unheard.

KESQ reached out to the school district for comment. While CVUSD did not respond to an interview request, the district provided a statement:

“The District is aware of the physical altercation that occurred in the Desert Mirage High School parking lot after school. Law enforcement responded and is supporting us in maintaining a safe learning environment. There were no reported injuries and families were notified to reassure them that all students were safe.”

Still, parents like Pedro say the district’s response isn’t enough.

It remains unclear what sparked the fight or how many students were directly involved.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Athena Jreij

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) — As investigators piece together what happened to Emmanuel Haro, News Channel 3 has seen a trend of misinformation spreading online.

Most recently, during a search operation in Moreno Valley, social media users spread information that the baby’s body had been found. While a search was conducted in the hills of Moreno Valley, no body was found and that information was never relayed by the department in charge, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s.

Studies into social media misinformation surrounding ‘true crime,’ have found it can have a negative impact on public opinion, juror selection, wrongful accusations and evidence gathering.

It’s something Sheriff Chad Bianco addressed head on in a press conference Wednesday.

“Misinformation, lies and purposeful misdirection is going to do nothing but harm this investigation,” he said.

Officials have warned false narratives that spread online can divert resources away from the investigation.

Lt. Gustavo Araiza with Palm Springs Police said, “A lot of times it could distract from the actual investigation that’s going on. The reality is there’s this influx of calls that are coming into our dispatch center. So now we’re taking time away from critical incidents because the phones are ringing off the hook. Generally, we will put up a hotline or a number to call if we’re asking for the public’s help,” Araiza said.

While officials say the public keeping an eye on a case can help with support, some bad actors online will spread unconfirmed information for clicks. That misinformation can have long term affects on cases when they head to trial.

“The jury pool is kind of limited for that specific area because people are well aware that might have heard some of the theories that were put out there, even though some of those theories might not be fact or weren’t actual evidence.”

News Channel 3 also spoke with Matt Johnson, a Crime and Justice Correspondent at Court TV, who said the buzz around this case has been unique.

“There are just so many people online searching for answers and following the case. There are people outside of the DA’s office looking for answers. They’re taking their time out of their busy days. They’re not going to work on certain days searching,” Johnson said.

Now, authorities are asking the public for patience as they maintain the integrity of the investigation.

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Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A 7-month-old toddler presumed to have been killed by his parents in Cabazon was a victim of long-term abuse that led to his death, Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin said Wednesday.

“We believe he was abused over time,” Hestrin said during a news briefing Wednesday in downtown Riverside. “We believe Emmanuel was severely abused … and because of the abuse, he succumbed to those injuries. That’s what we believe.”

Hestrin was joined by Sheriffs Chad Bianco and Shannon Dicus to provide an update on the case of missing 7- month-old toddler Emmanuel Haro..

Hestrin said murder charges filed Tuesday against Jake Mitchell Haro, 32, and Rebecca Renee Haro, 41, of Cabazon, in connection with the disappearance and presumed death of Emmanuel Haro reflect “our belief that baby Emmanuel was abused, a victim of child abuse, over time and that eventually because of that abuse, he succumbed to those injuries. That’s what we believe.”

The baby’s remains still have not been found, although Hestrin said investigators “have a pretty strong indication of where the remains of baby Emmanuel are,” although the search was continuing.

Investigators continue to search for Emmanuel’s remains.

A large search operation was underway Sunday along Highway 60 near Gilman Springs Road. Jake Haro was seen with investigators at the scene in a red jumpsuit. Officials tell News Channel 3 Emmanuel’s remains were not located during the search.

Jake and Rebecca Haro, Emmanuel’s parents, were officially charged with murder and making a false police report on Tuesday. Their arraignment was pushed back to Sept. 4, they remain in custody on $1 million bail.

Jake and Rebecca Haro were both arrested Friday morning at their home in Cabazon.

Emmanuel was originally reported missing on Thursday evening when Rebecca Haro said the baby was kidnapped after she was assaulted outside a store in Yucaipa while she was changing the baby’s diaper. She told police the attack rendered her unconscious, and when she awoke, the baby was gone.

An investigation began immediately and took a turn when authorities said Rebecca’s initial statement had inconsistencies. She then declined to continue with the police interview.

Last Tuesday, investigators seized Jake Haro’s vehicle for evidence processing.

Authorities said Friday they determined the kidnapping did not occur.

“Based on the evidence, investigators determined a kidnapping in Yucaipa did not occur. It is believed Emmanuel is deceased and the search to recover his remains is ongoing,” reads a statement by the SBCSD.

Hestrin said the baby’s death was preventable, blaming a failure in the criminal justice system that resulted in Jake Haro being sentenced to probation in a previous child abuse case involving his ex-wife and another infant.

Jake Haro was charged with counts including child abuse and child cruelty, and prosecutors were pushing for prison time in 2023, Hestrin said. But Haro wound up pleading straight up to the court to all charges,and the judge sentenced him only to probation and community service.

“My prosecutor in the courtroom objected to that and said on the record we object, we think it’s a prison case and you should send him to prison,” Hestrin said. “And the judge decided, as is the judge’s right to do, in that case, he decided that Mr. Haro deserved an extra break and gave him probation and basically 180 days of work release which ends up being like community service.”  

Hestrin added, “I will say that it was an outrageous error in judgment by this judge. I don’t have any problem saying that. I’m not attacking the judge personally. That decision was absolutely outrageous. Mr. Haro should have been in prison at the time that this crime happened. If that judge had done his job as he should have done, Emmanuel would be alive today. And that’s a shame and it’s an outrage.”

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Cynthia White

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. (KESQ) – A Twentynine Palms man accused of violently attacking his grandmother’s dog and resisting arrest pleaded not guilty to the charges on Tuesday.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the home of Joseph McGee, 28, on Araby Drive on August 16th following reports of violent behavior.

They say that McGee’s behavior included threatening to harm his grandmother’s Pomeranian, then grabbing the dog and twisting its torso in an attempt to break the dog’s back. During the assault, the grandmother was able to pull the dog away from McGee.

Deputies arrived moments later and reported that upon contacting McGee, he became combative and directed his aggression towards one of the deputies, leading them to use physical force to arrest him.

McGee was booked into the Morongo Basin Jail on charges of Felony Animal Cruelty and Felony Resisting an Executive Officer.

After entering his not guilty plea on Tuesday, McGee is being held on $110,000 bail at the West Valley jail in Rancho Cucamonga.

The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department Morongo Basin encourages anyone with information related to these cases to contact them at (760) 366-4175. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME.

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