Palm Springs, CA
The Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) has arrested 63-year-old John Short from New York in connection with two separate incidents involving criminal threats, stalking, and child abduction.
The first incident occurred between March 23 and March 26, when Short allegedly made specific and credible threats against a prominent billionaire, known for his donations to Democratic causes. The victim received direct threats from Short, prompting an investigation into criminal threats and stalking.
The second incident, unrelated to the first, took place on March 25 in Palm Springs following a verbal altercation over a parking dispute. During the confrontation, Short entered the victim’s vehicle and moved it within the parking lot. Critically, two of the victim’s children were inside the vehicle at the time, which led to a child abduction investigation due to the unauthorized movement of the children without parental consent.
Following the identification of Short as the suspect in both incidents, PSPD launched an intensive search with the assistance of the Fresno Police Department. Short was located and arrested in Fresno, CA. Investigators traveled to Fresno to continue the investigation and file formal charges.
Pictured: Suspect John Short from Massapequa, New York
“We take all threats and acts of violence seriously,” said Palm Springs Police Chief Andrew Mills. “Political violence has no place in our society, and we are committed to ensuring the safety of our community.”
Short is currently being held without bail at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility. He faces the following charges:
- PC 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy to Commit a Crime
- PC 422 – Criminal Threats (multiple counts)
- PC 278 – Child Stealing (multiple counts)
- PC 646.9(a) – Stalking
PSPD expressed gratitude to the United States Secret Service and the Fresno Police Department for their assistance in locating and identifying Short. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department also helped secure Short’s return to the Coachella Valley.
The Palm Springs Police Department continues its investigation. Anyone with information related to these incidents is encouraged to contact Detective Jose Barragan at (760) 323-8157 or by email at Jose.Barragan@palmspringsca.gov.