Sherry Barkas

The Desert Sun

A suspected would-be robber was shot by his intended victim early Sunday morning in Desert Hot Springs, then was in a car crash in Palm Springs.

Desert Hot Springs police were called to the 66300 block of Desert View at about 12:30 a.m. when gunfire was exchanged between the victim and would-be robbers at an apartment, police reported.

At about 2 a.m., a Toyota Sequoia southbound on Indian Canyon Drive, carrying a man with a gunshot wound to his stomach, ran a red light at Vista Chino, slamming into a Nissan Altima, Palm Springs police spokesman Sgt. Harvey Reed said.

The person shot was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs in serious condition, Desert Hot Springs police said in a news release.

Police are searching for the occupants of the apartment and any additional suspects.

Police ask anyone with information to call Detective Larry Essex at (760) 329-6411, ext. 322 or email lesses@dhspd.com. Witnesses can also anonymously call Valley Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-7867.