Three officers injured in violent confrontation

On Tuesday, October 2, 2012, at approximately 7:02 AM, the Palm Springs Police Department received a call of a male suspect possibly under the influence of a controlled substance climbing a tree in the 500 block of South Sunrise Way. The suspect reportedly then began running in and out of traffic lanes on Sunrise Way. PSPD began receiving multiple calls from additional citizens reporting that the suspect was running northbound on Sunrise Way and several cars were swerving and honking to avoid running into him. As citizens followed him, the suspect ran into the lobby of an assisted living facility, refused to leave after being requested to do so, and caused a physical disturbance inside before leaving. The suspect then ran across Sunrise Way towards another assisted living facility and was contacted by responding PSPD officers in the 200 block of South Sunrise Way. The suspect initially complied with the officers' orders but began violently resisting their efforts to detain him. A struggle ensued on the ground while three officers attempted to detain the suspect. A citizen, who observed the struggle, began assisting the officers in their efforts. Once the suspect stopped resisting, officers noticed that the suspect had stopped breathing. The officers immediately administered rescue breathing and CPR upon the suspect and he was revived. Medical personnel responded to the scene and the suspect was transported to a local hospital. The suspect is listed in critical condition at this time. Two of the officers involved in the incident sustained moderate injuries and are being evaluated by medical personnel. They are expected to return to work at a later date. The third officer sustained minor injuries and has since returned to duty. Anybody who witnessed this incident is asked to call the Palm Springs Police Department at 760-323-8116 or Valley Crime Stoppers at 760-341-STOP (7867).

The name of the male suspect is being withheld at this time while the investigation remains active. The cause of the suspect's bizarre and violent behavior is not known at this time. PSPD expects to learn more when toxicology results return. The suspect is a 27 year old male and his current address is not known.

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