The Desert Hot Springs police department arrested 30 people Tuesday during massive raids throughout the city in an operation police dubbed Operation Sandstorm. The operation focused on subjects wanted on outstanding arrest warrants and parole and probation violations. More than 160 law enforcement officers, 20 police dogs, and helicopter air support from various agencies and specialized teams participated in the sweeps. Some of the arrest offenses included felony and misdemeanor warrants, firearms and weapons violations, narcotics offenses, and probation and parole violations. Teams conduced 112 compliance checks which resulted in the seizure of illegal firearms, ammunition, and narcotics. Included in the arrests was a fugitive from Arkansas who was trying to hide in Desert Hot Springs to avoid capture and was victimizing members of the LGBT community in the process.
