IE Man Arrested After Brandishing Firearm, Dissuading Witness: Sheriff

THERMAL, CA — Riverside County sheriff's deputies arrested a 30-year-old man from Joshua Tree on Wednesday after he was accused of brandishing a firearm and dissuading a witness, authorities said.

In April, the sheriff's department's Thermal Station started an investigation into allegations a person brandished a firearm and dissuaded a witness. During their investigation, Salvador Cardenas, Jr. was identified as a suspect, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Deputies located Cardenas' vehicle on Wednesday near the 10 Freeway and Highway 62, and conducted a vehicle stop. Cardenas was taken into custody without incident, authorities said.

A search warrant was later served at Cardenas’ residence in Joshua Tree where evidence was collected, authorities said.

Cardenas was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for brandishing a firearm and dissuading a witness.

He is scheduled to appear in court at Indio Larson Justice Center on June 12, according to court records.

Bail information was not immediately available.

Authorities said the investigation was ongoing. Anyone with information related to the investigation was encouraged to contact Investigator Adonis Glasper at the Thermal Station by calling 760-863-8990 or Riverside Sheriff's Dispatch by calling 951-776-1099.