Corona Man Captured 2 Hours After Picking Up 12 Year Old Girl In La Quinta; Met On Social Media

A 25 year old Corona man is under arrest after meeting up with a 12 year old girl on Avenue 50 in La Quinta.

Joshua Meza had been communicating with the girl via social media before he met the girl around 12:30 Friday afternoon May 19th near Avenue 50 east of Washington Street. She went into the Meza’s vehicle and he drove off.

There are loads of children in that area, as two schools are there, Harry Truman Elementary and the La Quinta Middle School STEM Academy, along with a Boys and Girls Club and a YMCA.

An adult was able to get the license plate number from Meza’s vehicle.  

About 2 hours later, deputies saw Meza’s vehicle returning to the area near the schools.

Meza was arrested.  The girl suffered no physical injuries and was turned over to her parents.

Deputies found a gun in Meza’s vehicle.  Meza is jailed in Indio for lewd acts with a minor, contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sex crime and possession of a firearm on school grounds.

The Thermal Station Special Investigations Unit is asking anyone with additional information to contact Investigator Bugarin at (760) 863-2585. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Valley Crimestoppers at (760) 341-7867.

Suspect Joshua Meza of Corona

Photo from Riverside County Sheriffs Dept