Johnny Acosta, a former Desert Hot Springs Police officer, was arrested Friday on multiple felony charges in connection with an incident at a local school that occurred more than a year ago, authorities said.

The events began around 1:55 a.m. on Nov. 8, 2024, when Desert Hot Springs officers responded to reports of a burglary and vandalism at the concession stand near the football field on Pierson Boulevard, according to police records.

When officers arrived, they found four people inside the stand. As the group fled, Acosta and other responding officers pursued two 17-year-old juveniles. During the arrests, use-of-force incidents occurred, leaving one juvenile with minor injuries, authorities said.

Because of concerns about Acosta’s conduct during the arrests, the Desert Hot Springs Po

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