A Wonder Valley couple was arrested Wednesday, after deputies determined they were violating a restraining order filed by an elderly woman. On Thursday, October 1, deputies were following up on a tip from Adult Protective Services on a home in the 77500 block of 29 Palms Highway in Wonder Valley. The resident said that Nathaniel Rudd, 35, and Cheryl Ford, 46, were living on her property illegally. She said they were not paying rent and had used about $1,100 in utilities. The financial strain and stress of the situation caused the victim to be hospitalized for a possible heart attack, and she filed a restraining order against Rudd and Ford. During the investigation, the deputies determined that Rudd and Ford were committing elder abuse against the victim, and arrest warrants were issued. Just before 9 a.m. Wednesday, October 7, deputies went to the Wonder Valley residence with a warrant to arrest Rudd and Ford. After being handcuffed, Rudd ran from one of the deputies. After a short foot pursuit, Rudd was being led back to the patrol car, and started to kick and fight the deputies. Both Rudd and one of the deputies were slightly injured during the altercation; Rudd hit his head on the patrol car, and one of the deputies injured his left hand and elbow. Nathaniel Rudd was arrested for investigation of assault on a peace office causing injuries, and elder abuse, booked into the Morongo Basin Jail. Cheryl Ford was arrested for elder abuse, booked into the Morongo Basin Jail. They were both cited and released a few hours later.
Deputies say Rudd and Ford are involved in a similar case in which they lived at another residence illegally and used $2,500 in utilities, which the victim had to pay.
