Indio Police Arrest Three, Recover Firearms in Connection With Shooting and Robbery Investigation

The Indio Police Department (IPD), with assistance from the Gang Impact Team (GIT), served two search warrants early Tuesday morning in connection with a shooting and robbery that occurred on November 24, 2025.

At approximately 7:00 a.m. on December 16, detectives served warrants at residences in the 47000 block of Jefferson Street and the 82000 block of El Paseo Avenue.

During the search at the Jefferson Street location, 23-year-old Jesse Hernandez was observed attempting to discard a firearm from a second-story window before being taken into custody. Officers recovered the firearm. Inside the residence, detectives also located a 15-year-old male who was wanted in connection with a separate armed robbery. The juvenile was found lying on top of a loaded firearm.

Hernandez was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for being an accessory to robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. The juvenile was arrested for firearm possession and for an armed robbery that occurred on October 28, 2025.

At the second location on El Paseo Avenue, officers observed 24-year-old Emmanuel Zepeda attempting to conceal a firearm inside an abandoned vehicle. Zepeda was arrested for weapons violations. During the investigation, officers recovered additional ammunition and two Glock full-auto conversion switches. Jeremiah Hernandez, 21, was also arrested at the scene for a Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS) violation.

Police say two male suspects connected to the investigation remain outstanding. The case remains under active investigation.

“The safety of our community remains the highest priority of the Indio Police Department,” the department stated. “These arrests reflect the dedication and professionalism of our officers and detectives, as well as the strong collaboration with the Gang Impact Team and our allied law enforcement partners.”

Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Indio Police Department at (760) 391-4057 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at (760) 341-STOP.