A Desert Hot Springs man was behind bars Saturday, suspected of auto theft in Palm Desert, officials said.
Victor Ortiz Perez, 22, was nabbed following a short chase by sheriff’s deputies who tried to stop an SUV on Cook Street, near Gerald Ford Drive shortly before 5 p.m. Friday.
He was booked into the Indio Jail on suspicion of receiving stolen property and probation violation; he remained in custody in lieu of $25,000 bail, pending a court appearance at the Indio Larson Justice Center.
Sheriff’s deputies had just tried to pull over the 2010 Toyota Highlander when the vehicle’s driver sped off and initiated a chase through Palm Desert and into Cathedral City, according to Riverside County sheriff’s Sgt. Patrick Carroll.
The two occupants of the vehicle then abandoned the Highlander and ran off on Camrose Drive, near Brookview Way and Perez was caught shortly after, on Bluegrass Way, near Camrose.
The other suspect eluded capture, the sergeant reported.
Anyone with information was asked to call investigators at 760-836-1600.
