Three Desert Hot Springs residents were arrested Thursday, and a fourth suspect on Friday, accused of stealing a car at gunpoint. According to a police report, officers were called to the 66800 block of Ironwood Drive about 5 a.m. in response to a reported armed carjacking. The victim said the suspects, who had firearms, took his vehicle and various valuables inside it, before fleeing to a nearby residence. When officers went to the home, several occupants tried to flee on foot, but were detained. Arrested for investigation of carjacking, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit carjacking/kidnapping were Christian Salas, 25; Stephanie Dierkes, 25, and a 17-year-old boy. Salas, Dierkes, and the boy were booked into the Riverside County Jail. A fourth suspect was arrested Friday. Officers were following up on the investigation when they saw Johnny Artis, 32, jump a wall in the 66800 block of Ironwood Drive. Officers pursued him to the 13600 block of Mark Drive where he was taken into custody without incident. Johnny Artis was arrested on suspicion of carjacking, kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping/carjacking, assault with a deadly weapon/firearm; felon in possession of a firearm, and violation of his post-release community supervision.
