Indio Police Officer Arrested on Weapons and Witness Dissuasion Allegations

An Indio police officer has been arrested on allegations that he brandished a firearm and attempted to dissuade a witness, according to investigators with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Authorities identified the officer as 30-year-old Salvador Cardenas Jr.

The investigation began in April and was conducted by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Deputies arrested Cardenas on Wednesday and later served a search warrant at his home in Joshua Tree.

Investigators said evidence related to the case was recovered during the search. Additional details about the allegations and the evidence collected have not been released.

The Indio Police Department confirmed it is aware of the arrest and issued a statement regarding the case.

"The Indio Police Department holds all employees to high standards of professionalism and accountability," the department said in part.

The department also announced that Cardenas has been placed on paid administrative leave while the criminal case moves forward and while an internal administrative investigation is conducted.

Officials have not released additional information regarding the circumstances that led to the allegations or whether any other individuals were involved.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department continues to investigate the case. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact investigators.

No further details were immediately available.