Pool Cleaner On The Job Robbed At Gunpoint

CATHEDRAL CITY, CA – Two men who allegedly robbed a pool cleaner at gunpoint at a Cathedral City home were charged Thursday with robbery and other counts.

Joseph Palomino, 25, and Arturo Colin, 21, both of Sky Valley, are accused of robbing the 49-year-old victim at a home in the 28000 block of Avenida Diosa about 7:40 a.m. Tuesday, according to Cathedral City police Sgt. Larry Sanfillippo.

The man, whose name was withheld, told Cathedral City police that two men in blue checkered shirts and jeans took his wallet and cell phone, then fled in a gold-colored four-door Cadillac.

The Cadillac was later spotted in the parking lot of the Auto Zone at 12660 Palm Drive in Desert Hot Springs, Sanfillippo said. Palomino was taken into custody as he exited the business, while Colin was arrested inside the store, where he allegedly tried to hide a .22-caliber handgun, the sergeant said.

In addition to robbery, Palomino is charged with criminal street gang activity, possession of a firearm, and misdemeanor counts of receiving stolen property and petty theft, while Colin is charged with robbery, criminal street gang activity, and four felonies related to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

The men, who are being held in lieu of $1 million each, pleaded not guilty to all counts Thursday afternoon.

They're due back in court Aug. 13 for a felony settlement conference.

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--City News Service/Image via Renee Schiavone