Desert Hot Springs Man Arrested on Weapons Charges After Firearm Call

A Desert Hot Springs man is behind bars following an investigation into reports of an armed individual walking through a residential area.

According to police, officers responded last Wednesday to multiple 911 calls regarding a man carrying a firearm near Mesquite Avenue and Desert View Avenue.

Authorities say 42-year-old Sylvester Amaya was located by officers operating unmarked vehicles and was taken into custody without incident. No injuries were reported during the arrest.

Investigators allege that Amaya made statements indicating an intent to shoot at responding officers. Police did not release additional details regarding those statements or the circumstances surrounding the encounter.

Amaya was subsequently booked into the Benoit Detention Center in Indio on multiple weapons-related charges. The charges include brandishing a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm in public and possession of an assault weapon.

Officials have not released information regarding a possible court appearance, and bail information was not immediately available.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Police are encouraging residents to report suspicious activity and remind the public that prompt reporting can help officers respond quickly to potential threats and maintain public safety.