One of two suspects accused of stealing merchandise from a train in Mecca was arrested Wednesday.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a train burglary in the area of Hammond Road and Johnson Street at 10:35 a.m. Wednesday, according to a department statement.
Riverside Sheriff’s Aviation Unit staff responded, observing “two males loading stolen merchandise into a vehicle … later reported stolen and seen fleeing the scene before deputies arrived,” the department said.
The driver and passenger allegedly drove to Johnson Street and Avenue 62 before fleeing on foot, according to the statement. The driver, later identified as 19-year-old local resident Fabian Galvez-Espinoza, was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio on suspicion of burglary, possession of stolen property, grand theft, resisting arrest and conspiracy, according to the department.
Deputies said they were still working to identify the passenger.
Anyone with additional information was encouraged to contact the Thermal Sheriff’s Station at 760-863-8990.