Palm Desert Man Arrested for Vandalism and Assault

A resident of Riverside County was apprehended on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the vandalism of a Flock camera and the assault of a contractor. The incident occurred in the 73000 block of Fred Waring Drive in Palm Desert. Deputies responded to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon.

The victim, a contractor for Flock Safety, was reportedly installing a new license plate reader camera when the suspect approached him. The contractor stated the suspect slashed all four tires on his utility vehicle, damaged the new camera, and threatened to stab him. Authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Nathan Ceballos.

Deputies located Ceballos near Palm Desert Drive and San Marcos Avenue and took him into custody without incident. A subsequent search warrant executed at his residence in the 73000 block of San Nicholas Avenue reportedly uncovered evidence related to the assault and additional vandalism. Furthermore, deputies claimed to have found multiple sexually intrusive videos of teenage girls recorded in various spaces.

Ceballos was booked at the John Benoit Detention Center. He faces multiple felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, and felony vandalism. Investigators are seeking information from anyone who may know more about the victims in the videos or have additional details regarding the vandalism allegations.