CITY OF DESERT HOT SPRINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
INCIDENT: Robbery/Attempted Murder with Shots Fired — Suspect Identified and Wanted
DATE OF INCIDENT: November 4, 2009/07:30 AM
SUSPECT: William Benjamin Washington, 8-4-90, Male, Black, 5-10, 150 lbs, Black hair, Brown eyes; Tattoos, all on his arms: "Lakresha", "Clay", "Solo the Champ", "12th St. Hustler"; Address: Transient, DHS/Cathedral City/Palm Springs
DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT
At approximately 07:30 AM on Wednesday, November 4, a Black male subject, later identified as William Benjamin Washington, was seen "manhandling" a Black female at the bus stop located in the area of Palm and Ironwood. When she refused his request to give him money, he wrestled her purse away from her.
A citizen decided to intervene. Washington pulled out a handgun, aimed at the citizen, and fired several rounds at him. The citizen was not hit. Washington ran from the area and we were unable to locate him. We were, however, able to identify him through our investigation.
Washington is a member of a criminal street gang and is considered armed and dangerous. If you have any information regarding Washington or his whereabouts, please contact the DHS Police Department as soon as possible—you can remain anonymous.
Any questions regarding this press release should be directed to the Desert Hot Springs Police Department, Detective Gus Paiz, Detective Larry Essex, or Detective Sergeant Dan Bressler. We can all be reached at 760-329-6411 x325, 322 and 315 respectively.
Dispatch Tel: (760) 329-2904
