A former Desert Hot Springs Police Department officer was charged Friday with assault with a deadly weapon, filing a false report, and assault by a peace officer under color of authority in connection with a 2024 high school use-of-force incident.
The incident occurred around 1:55 a.m. on Nov. 8, 2024, when Desert Hot Springs police officers responded to a report of a burglary in progress at Desert Hot Springs High School, according to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.
Responding officers encountered four male suspects who ran from them as they attempted to make contact.
One officer, later identified as Johnny Acosta, pursued a suspect, leading to a use-of-force incident.
Police said officers continued searching the area, and Acosta later located a second suspect, resulting in another use-of-force incident.
Both individuals taken into custody were identified as 17-year-old juveniles.
Following the two use-of-force incidents, Acosta was placed on administrative leave the same day, and an internal investigation was begun.
The Desert Hot Springs Police Department also requested an independent review by the Force Investigations Detail Task Force, which consists of investigators from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
Acosta was terminated from the department on March 27 based on the outcome of the internal investigation.
Acosta was arrested by members of the Force Investigations Detail Task Force.