April 27, 2026 – Riverside County Sheriff's Office officials report that on February 20, 2026, deputies from the Thermal Sheriff’s Station responded to the 43400 block of Palm Royale Drive, La Quinta, regarding a juvenile suffering a medical emergency. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the juvenile had purchased and consumed an illicit substance that contributed to the medical emergency. The juvenile was later transported to a local hospital in stable condition.

During the course of the investigation, deputies identified an individual who was selling various illicit substances, targeting juveniles throughout the Coachella Valley. The suspect was identified as Albert Gamez, an 18-year-old resident of Temecula.

On April 21, 2026, deputies located Gamez in the area of Golf Center Parkway and Highway 111, Indio, where he was taken into custody without incident. Gamez was arrested and booked at the John J. Benoit Detention Center for furnishing marijuana to a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and willful harm to a child. This investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details are available at this time. Anyone with information related to this or similar incidents is encouraged to contact Deputy Olivares at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station at (760) 863-8990.

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Mark Chlarson

File # LA260510051

Source & photo: Riverside County Sheriff's Office