Steven Barry Hoffman, 31, is in custody charged with felony assault causing serious bodily injury on a female victim. He is incarcerated at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA – A 31-year-old Big Bear man — Steven Barry Hoffman — is in custody at the West Valley Detention Center following his arrest on suspicion of felony assault with serious injury on a female victim who was flown to Loma Linda University Medical Center for treatment.

THE INITIAL INCIDENT 

Steven Barry Hoffman (Contributed Photo)

Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 7-11 convenience store in the 41000 block of Big Bear Boulevard at about 12:05 a.m. on Saturday, April 25,  to a report of a subject disturbance.

The suspect — identified by authorities as Hoffman — was gone upon the arrival of deputies. Officers responded to Hoffman’s residence and made contact with the suspect.

He was directed not to return to 7-11,  according to a media release issued by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.

THE ASSAULT

About a half hour after the contact with Hoffman, a deputy was completing the report at the 7-11 when he was contacted by a female who was bleeding from the face an d head.

The unidentified victim, identified by authorities as a relative that lives with Hoffman,  told the deputy that Hoffman had repeatedly kicked her.

The woman reportedly indicated that Hoffman  accused her of calling the Sheriff’s Department on him.

AREA SEARCH

Deputies returned to Hoffman’s residence but the suspect had fled the location prior to their arrival.

An overnight search — that included a bloodhound and handler from the Rancho Cucamonga Station — failed to locate Hoffman an d a warrant for his arrest was issued

At the time Hoffman disappeared he was described as having brown hair, blue eyes,  and a beard. The media release reported he was last seen wearing a black leather jacket,  purple snake skin pants,  and brown cowboy boots.

THE ARREST

On Sunday, April 26, a Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputy conducted a pedestrian  check just before 2 a.m . in the area of Crab Flats Road and Green Valley Lake Road in Running Springs.

Once Hoffman  was identified,  the deputy placed him under arrest without incident.

He was transported to West Valley Detention Center and held on $300,000 bail.

Hoffman is scheduled for video arraignment at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 27. (78)

San Bernardino County Sheriff;s Department Homicide Detectives are investigating the death of a 33-year-old Big Bear Lake man on Tuesday, April 28. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA – A homicide investigation is underway following the discovery of the body of a 33-year-old male in the 42000 block of Willow Avenue in Big Bear Lake.

Deputies from the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of a deceased male at the Willow Avenue residence on Tuesday, April 28, at 11:20 a.m., after receiving a 9-1-1 call from a relative.

THE INCIDENT

The reporting party told authorities they went to the cabin, entered the residence, and found the victim dead at the location.

The deceased has been identified as George Kovacevich. Deputies determined Kovacevich to be
the victim of a gunshot wound.

The Homicide Division of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is now investigating the case.

INFORMATION SOUGHT

Anyone with information regarding this matter is requested to contact Sergeant John Gaffney of the Sheriff’s Homicide Detail at (909) 387-3589 and refer to case number H2015-036.

Information can also be reported anonymously by calling WE-TIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at WETIP. (232)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear, CA – The newest addition to the list of the Mountain’s Most Wanted fugitives is Richard (Rick) Paul Gade. He was added by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Department.

A media advisory indicates that Gade, 31, is on Post Release Community Supervison and is wanted on a felony no bail warrant for carrying a conealed dirk or dagger.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Gade is described by authorities as being a white male, 6-feet tall and weighing about 150 pounds. He has brown hair and eyes.

As part of Governor Jerry Brown’s 2011 Realignment Plan (AB109), in order to comply with a U.S. Supreme Court decision requiring the State of California to lower its prison population by 30,000 inmates, offenders with non-violent, non-sexual and non-serious convictions serve reduced sentences in county jails and are then placed on local supervision through the County’s Probation Department after being released.

REPORT SIGHTINGS

Persons having information on the whereabouts of Gade is requested to contact the Detective Bureau of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100.

Information can also be reported anonymously by calling WE TIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at WETIP. 

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Over 15 cars in the Sugarloaf area were damaged by vandals who shot out the windows of the cars and trucks, according to the Big Bear Sheriff’s Department. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Sugarloaf, CA – Unknown vandals damaged over 15 vehicles in the Sugarloaf area early Sunday, May 10, according to the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.

A media advisory indicates the vandalism occurred between midnight and 4 a.m. The suspects used what deputies believe is a BB or Pellet gun to shoot out windows on numerous vehicles and a glass door at the Sugarloaf Post Office.

Deputies believe the suspects where driving an unknown type vehicle in the area and targeting other random vehicle windows.

The vandals caused thousands of dollars worth of damage and deputies currently are following up on leads.

INFORMATION REQUESTED

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Big Bear Sheriff’s station at (909) 866-0100 or if they wish to remain anonymous to call We-Tip at (800) 78-CRIME. (491)

Steve Michael Baumgartner, 54 — who is accused of the murder of Michael Paul Clark in Crestline on June 30 — returns to court May 15 for the first time in two months. (File Photol)

G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – For the first time in two months, Crestline murder suspect Steve Michael Baumgartner, now 54, returns to court Friday, May 15, for a disposition/reset hearing. During his last appearance on March 13, Judge Harold T. Wilson granted a motion for a continuance requested by Baumgartner’s attorney Jim McGee.

Steve Michael Baumgartner (Contributed Photo)

The hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. in Department S-15.

The former Riverside County Deputy Sheriff is accused of the murder of Michael Paul Clark in Crestline on June 30, 2014.

Baumgartner remains in custody in the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino with bail set at $1.75 million.

THE CASE

Baumgartner reportedly shot Clark — his next door neighbor in the 23000 block of Wildwood Lane in Crestline — in the face with a .357 Magnum after the two men got in an argument outside Clark’s home.

Numerous 9-1-1 callers told San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Dispatchers about the incident that occurred about 5:14 p.m. on June 30. First responders transported Clark to St. Bernardine Medical Center in San Bernardino where he was pronounced dead at 6:09 p.m.

Baumgartner has entered a not guilty plea and has also denied special allegations, according to court documents reviewed by ROTWNEWS.com. (11)

A Rim High School student has been chargecd with grand theft after master keys to sections of the school were stolen from the school library. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Blue Jay, CA – Grand theft charges have been filed against a Rim High School student after a set of master keys was stolen from the school library requiring the services of a locksmith to rekey certain areas of the sprawling campus. The unidentified student was suspended from school for five (5) days.

THE INCIDENT 

The cost of rekeying locks at Rim High School was estimated to be about $1,000. (File Photo)

School authorities notified the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station that they had identified the possible suspect and that the student was uncooperative with staff about all but one of the missing keys. That key was located in the subject’s backpack, according to deputies. The student reportedly admitted to taking the keys.

The keys disappeared from the library on April 28. Several days later, on May 11, the suspect was seen in the Associated Students’ office which is located in the library.

Twin Peaks officers reported that a staff member recognized the student as the same individual who was last in the office before the keys went missing. Campus security searched the backback and located one of the missing keys.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

The cost of replacing the locks and keys was estimated to be about $1,000.

The student was cited for grand theft and released to a parent’s custody. The parent was issued a citation requiring the juvenile’s appearance in court. (212)

Deputies and detectives from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station made four drug-related arrests following the service of a search warrant in the 23800 block of Lake Drive in Crestline. (Contributed Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Crestline, CA – Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies and detectives made four drug-related arrests following the execution of a search warrant in the 23800 block of Lake Drive in Crestline.

The warrant was issued following an investigation that reportedly uncovered that the residence attached to a Lake Drive business may have been involved with the sales of methamphetamine and opiates.

During the search on Tuesday, May 19, deputies recovered paraphernalia consistent with drug sales.

THE ARRESTS 

Deputies arrested Eric Dylan Dennison, 46, who was arrested for being in possession of a controlled substance for sales. He was booked at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino and held on $50,000 bail.  He is scheduled for a video arraignment on the charge at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 21.

The other subjects were arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. They were identified by deputies as Kidsa Allen, 31, Kurt Arman, 50, and Arturo Manuel Ponce, 38. Ponce was discovered to have an active arrest warrant for $26,000 out of the City of Torrance.

INFORMATION SOUGHT

Anyo0ne with information about the investigation is encouraged to call the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station at (909) 336-0687. Anonymous callers may also contact WE-TIP at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or at WE-TIP online.

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Gary Michael Simrak, 49, who was sought by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station on a variety of drug charges is now in custody. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

UPDATE: Friday, May 22 – 11:20 a.m. 

San Bernardino, CA – Most Wanted subject Gary Michael Simrak, 49, is now in custody at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino. Bail has been set at $75,000. He was wanted by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station on a variety of drug-related charges.

THE ARREST

At about 5:20 p.m. on May 21, the Highland Sheriff’s Station received a hit on a stationary Automatic License Plate Reader on a stolen 2009 Scion. Shortly thereafter, the unoccupied vehicle was located and recovered in the parking lot at San Manuel Casino.

At 7:05 p.m., San Manuel Tribal Police notified the Central Sheriff’s Station that they had Gary Simrak and a female identified as 26-year-old Justina Bowden detained for questioning as potential suspects in connection with the stolen vehicle.

Deputies responded and determined that both Simrak and Bowden were wanted on outstanding warrants.

Simrak and Bowden were taken into custody and booked into Central Detention Center on their warrants.

Detectives continue their investigation to determine if Simrak or Bowden were involved in the vehicle theft.

ORIGINAL STORY

Big Bear Lake,  CA – Gary Simrak, 49, is being sought by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station on an  active felony warrant issued March 5 in the amount of $75,000 for possession of a controlled substance for sale, cultivation of marijuana/hashish and maintaining a drug house.

On March 5, Judge Steve C. Malone issued the warrant after Simrak failed to appear for a pre-preliminary hearing on the drug offenses that led to his arrest on February 5. Two days later, the bail bondsman was notified the bail had been forfeited.

GARY SIMRAK

The Big Bear Sheriff’s Department describes Simrak as being 6-foot tall, weighing 210 pounds with blue eyes and a shaved head.

In addition to the aforementioned charges, Simrak is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday, April 7, on a charge of being in possession of a hypodermic needle.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Persons with information about Simrack’s whereabouts are requested to contact the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station’s Detective Bureau at (909) 866-0100. (441)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA – Authorities at the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 35-year-old Adam Phillip Halladay, the newest Most Wanted Fugitive. 

Halladay is on Post Release Community Supervision and is wanted on a felony no bail warrant for trespassing with the intent to commit serious bodily injury.

HALLADAY’S DESCRIPTION

Big Bear Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Tiffany Swantek’s media advisory described Halladay as a White male, 5’8” tall, 152 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes.

REALIGNMENT PLAN

As part of Assembly Bill 109, Governor Jerry Brown’s 2011 Realignment Plan, in order to comply with a U.S. Supreme Court decision requiring the State of California to lower its prison population by 30,000 inmates, offenders with non-violent, non-sexual and non-serious convictions serve reduced sentences in county jails and are then placed on local supervision through the County’s Probation Department after being released.

CONTACT BIG BEAR DETECTIVES/WE TIP

Individuals with information on the whereabouts of Halladay are requested to contact the Detective Bureau of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100.

Information can also be reported anonymously by calling WE TIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at WE TIP.  
(212)

A Running Springs man was arrested after Twin Peaks deputies executed a search warrant and recovered 10 firearms (Photo by Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station).

By G. T. Houts

Running Springs, CA – A 56-year-old man was arrested on a variety of charges after Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Deputies executed a search warrant and recovered 10 firearms ranging from automatic handguns to assault rifles, according to a media release issued by the Sheriff’s Department.

The search warrant was issued in the 31000 block of Circle View Drive in Running Springs and led to the arrest of Charles William Phares. Deputies learned through investigation the residence was possibly being used to store firearms which were reportedly taken during recent residential burglaries.

Deputies also recovered cash and over an ounce of suspected methamphetamine during the June 10 warrant search.

THE ARREST

Phares, who was the sole occupant of the residence, was contacted and taken into custody for weapons and drug violations.

The media advisory shows Phares was transported the Central Detention Center and booked for H&S 11370.1, Possession of a controlled substance while armed, PC 29800(a)(1), Felon in possession of a firearm, PC 30605(a) Illegal possession of assault weapon and PC 496(a), Possession of stolen property.

On June 12, Phares posted bail and was released.

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A probation/parole compliance check in Big Bear Valley resulted in 19 arrests. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts 

Big Bear, CA - On Thursday, June 18, deputies and detectives of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station conducted a Parole and Probation Compliance Operation with the assistance of agents from San Bernardino County Probation Department.

The operation was conducted to check on parolees and probationers living within Big Bear Valley to establish whether or not they are in compliance with the terms and conditions of their release.

THE SWEEP

As a result of the sweep, 19 adults were arrested for various offenses.

The violations included possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, warrants, driving under the influence of alcohol, being under the influence of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and probation violations.

COMMUNITY SUPERVISION

Some of the contacts were on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) as a result of California Assembly Bill 109.

As part of Governor Jerry Brown’s 2011 Realignment Plan (AB109), in order to comply with a U.S. Supreme Court decision requiring the State of California to lower its prison population by 30,000 inmates, offenders with non-violent, non-sexual and non-serious convictions serve reduced sentences in county jails and are then placed on local supervision through the County’s Probation Department after being released.

The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station routinely works in conjunction with County Probation and State Parole to monitor the whereabouts and activities of parolees and probationers who have been granted PRCS status under AB 109 to ensure that they remain in compliance with the terms and conditions of their release from custody.

THE ARRESTS

Here is a list of those arrested:

Joshua Mathis, 42 years old/ Christopher Canzoneri, 45 years old/ Michael Warmer, 53 years old/ Rebecca Young, 28 years old/ Eva Montenegro, 34 years old/Mark Mcraven, 48 years old/ Alberto Rodriguez-Morales, 24 years old/ David Stitzel, 45 years old/ Kimberly Wolfe, 53 years old/ Brandi Kenyon, 45 years old/ Justin Boyce, 23 years old/ Melissa Hanari, 44 years old/ Tyler Blake, 21 years old/ Andrew Hampton, 46 years old/ Robert Flory, 34 years old/ Bryan Wisnewski, 23 years old/ Shelley Leonard, 54 years old/ Denise Lopez, 29 years old/ Jose Lopez, 26 years old. (327)

By G. T. Houts

UPDATE: Wednesday, June 24 – 4:04 a.m.

San Bernardino, CA – John David Simmons. 40, has entered a not guilty plea via video from the West Valley Detention Center  for burglary, attempted arson, destruction of evidence and possession of stolen property. However, he has not yet been charged with the murder of George Michael Kovacevich.

During the brief arraignment on June 23, Judge Ronald J. Gilbert appointed the public defender and set a pre-preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. on July 1 in Department S-12.

ORIGINAL STORY

Big Bear Lake, CA – A 40-year-old Big Bear Lake resident – identified as John David Simmons — has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 33-year-old Big Bear City man.

THE INCIDENT

On April 28, at approximately 11:20 a.m., Big Bear Sheriff’s Station deputies responded to a report of a deceased male at a residence in the 42000 block of Willow Avenue in Big Bear Lake.

A relative of the deceased – later identified as George Michael Kovacevich — called the Sheriff’s Department after going to the cabin, entering the residence, and finding the victim dead at the location.

Deputies determined Kovacevich to be the victim of a gunshot wound. At that time, the Homicide Division of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department took over the investigation.

THE INVESTIGATION

Through investigation, Simmons was identified the next day as the suspect in this matter. Simmons was located and found to be suffering from a gunshot wound. Suspect Simmons was interviewed and then transported to a local area hospital for medical attention.

Investigators learned that Simmons and Kovacevich met at the location to trade stolen guns. An argument ensued between the victim and suspect, according to a release issued by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.

The victim (Kovacevich) allegedly shot the suspect (Simmons). Simmons returned fire, killing Kovacevich. Simmons then took all of the stolen guns, along with the victim’s identification, and fled the scene.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Deputies report that several hours later, Simmons returned to the scene of the crime with a flammable liquid. He spread the liquid inside the residence and left the gas stove on in an attempt to destroy any evidence and conceal his involvement in the homicide.

On June 19, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges against suspect John Simmons for burglary, attempted arson, destruction of evidence and possession of stolen property.

A warrant for his arrest was issued by Judge R. Glenn Yabuno at 3:36 p.m. on June 19.

At approximately 4:10 p.m. on June 19, deputies of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station served the warrant and took Simmons into custody without incident.

Simmons was booked into the Big Bear Jail on the charges filed by the District Attorney’s Office, and remains in custody in lieu of $350,000.00 bail. A video arraignment hearing in this matter is scheduled for Monday, June 22, at 12:30 p.m. in San Bernardino County Superior Court. (437)

A 44-year-old San Bernardino man allegedly impersonating a firefighter has been arrested at the Lake Fire Incident Command Center at Big Bear High School. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

UPDATE: Tuesday, June 30 – 3:44 p.m.

San Bernardino, CA – The San Bernardino County District Attorney has filed criminal charges against David Anthony Battle, 44, consisting of impersonating a member of the fire department; grand theft automobile; being a felon in possession of a firearm; and two counts of receiving of stolen property.

In addition, the San Bernardino County Probation Department has issued a probation hold on Battle, and he will remain in custody at the West Valley Detention Center without the possibility of bail pending court procedures.

ORIGINAL STORY

Sugarloaf, CA – At approximately 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the Lake Fire for perimeter patrol and security of evacuated areas observed a white Crown Victoria driving into affected areas that were closed by road blocks.

David Anthony Battle (Contributed Photo)

SUBJECT CONTACT

Approximately 15 minutes later the vehicle was located at the Incident Command Post in the parking lot at Big Bear High School. Deputies made contact with the subject in the vehicle, and identified him as Battle.

At the time of contact, Battle could not provide proper fire department identification. Upon further inspection, deputies noticed that the tires on the vehicle were bald. A records check revealed that the California exempt license plates on the vehicle had been stolen. Deputies ran the vehicle VIN, and determined that the vehicle had been stolen from San Bernardino approximately two weeks earlier.

VEHICLE CHECK

The white Crown Victoria driven by David Battle. (Contributed Photo)

A stolen handgun was also found in the vehicle. Battle was found to be on felony probation for a previous charge of grand theft auto.

THE ARREST

Battle was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Big Bear Jail on felony charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and carrying a stolen loaded firearm.

Battle remains in custody at West Valley Detention Center in lieu of $50,000 bail, with an arraignment hearing set for Tuesday in San Bernardino County Superior Court.

ASSISTANCE REQUESTED

Individuals recognizing Battle or his vehicle and has had contact with him where he represented himself as an official member of a fire department or law enforcement agency is requested to contact Detective Jim Wijnhamer at (909) 866-0100, Detective Lance Stuart at (909) 890-4840, or Cal Fire Captain Jack Markle at (909) 881-6922.

Information can also be reported anonymously by calling WE-TIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at WE-TIP.  (396)

Stephen Darrell Taylor, 68, has been arrested on aggravated sexual assault of two female juveniles during his tenure as a foster parent. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Crestline, CA – A 68-year-old foster parent — identified by authorities as Stephen Darrell Taylor — is in custody at the West Valley Detention Center for aggravated sexual assault of two female juveniles in his care.

Stephen Darrell Taylor (Booking Photo)

Taylor, who was arrested at 2:55 p.m. on July 1, along with his wife, were foster parents with a local agency from 2002 to 2008.

THE ALLEGATIONS

During that time frame, Stephen Taylor reportedly sexually abused two of the female foster children placed in his care. Taylor allegedly sexually abused the children for several years. The victims ranged in age from five to eleven and were eventually adopted by the Taylors.

The Taylor family resided in three different homes during that time frame on Crestline Road, Mile High Road, and Fir Lane in the Crestline community.

The sexual abuse continued until the children were removed by the San Bernardino County Children and Family Services in 2008 due to allegations of physical abuse. The sexual abuse was reported to the Twin Peaks Sheriff Station and turned over to the Crimes Against Children Detail because it involved a certified foster family.

THE INVESTIGATION

Detectives from the Crimes Against Children Detail assumed the investigation and determined approximately 27 foster children were placed with the Taylor family from 2002 to 2008.

The Taylor family lost their status as a certified foster family after allegations of physical abuse to the children.

THE ARREST

On July 1, Stephen Taylor was arrested by authorities on an arrest warrant for: PC 288.7(b) Oral Copulation, PC 288(b) Sexual Intercourse with Force, PC 269 Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, and PC 288.5 Continual Sexual Assault of a Child.

He was booked at the West Valley Detention Center on July 1, at 4:31 p.m., where he is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail. He is scheduled for video arraignment on July 6.

Detectives released his booking photograph due to concerns Taylor possibly abused other children who were in his care during that time.

CONTACT AUTHORITIES

Anyone with information pertaining to this investigation is urged to contact Detective Jason Frey or Sergeant Dana Foster at (909) 387-3615.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information online at WE-TIP.
(190)

Lake Arrowhead resident Joshua Adam Navarro, 25, has a disposition/reset hearing at 8:30 a.m. on July 6. He faces murder charges related to a Highway 138 head-on crash on May 17 near Phelan. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – Twenty-five-year-old Joshua Adam Navarro from Lake Arrowhead has a court hearing July 6 related to the fatal head-on collision on Highway 138 near Phelan that killed his 18-year-old passenger, according to San Bernardino County Superior Court documents.

The crash — which killed Eliza Santibanez, 18, of Highland, when she was ejected from Navarro’s black 1997 Honda Civic — on Sunday, May 17, sent Navarro and three others to area hospitals with critical injuries. He faces four felony counts including murder.

The disposition/reset hearing is slated for 8:30 a.m. in Department S-17.

MURDER CHARGE

Navarro, who had a previous conviction for driving under the influence (2008), is now facing the murder charge, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and two counts of DUI alcohol/drugs causing bodily injury.

He has entered a plea of not guilty to all counts and has denied special allegations.

Bail has been set at $1.5 million and Navarro is in custody at the West Valley Detention Center. (68)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – Two Lake Arrowhead men have been arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter related to the 2013 death of Running Springs resident David Quijas, 46.

The two men arrested are Christopher Vincent Batchelor, 42, and Joshua James Kemp, 40.

THE INCIDENT

David Quijas (Facebook Photo)

Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 700 block of West Victoria Court in Sky Forest/Lake Arrowhead to the report of an assault on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at about 9:03 p.m.

Arriving officers and fire personnel located Quijas suffering from upper body trauma, according to a media advisory issued at the time by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Quijas was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The Sheriff’s Department’s Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail responded to the scene to conduct the investigation.

Detectives arrested Batchelor and Kemp for murder but the District Attorney’s office initially reviewed the case and chose not to file murder charges.

SUBSEQUENT FILING

On June 24, 2015, after further review by the District Attorney, involuntary manslaughter charges were filed against Batchelor and Kemp and warrants for their arrest were issued.

Deputies from the Twin Peaks Station and the Sheriff’s Multiple Enforcement Team (MET) located the two suspects on Tuesday, June 30, and they were arrested and booked at the Big Bear Jail on the involuntary manslaughter charge.

They were later transferred to the West Valley Detention Center where they are each being held on $250,000 bail.

COURT HEARINGS

On July 2, both Batchelor and Kemp were arraigned via video and entered not guilty pleas to all charges.

County Commissioner Ronald J. Gilbert appointed a conflict panel attorney to defend Batchelor and a public defender to represent Kemp.

Both men are scheduled for a pre-preliminary hearing on July 13 at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-12. (209)

Ronald Michael Hitchcock, accused of the 2012 murder of Deborah Ann Crouch, will now have a disposition/reset hearing on Wednesday, August 19, after the case was continued at the request of the defense attorney. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – The case against Big Bear murder suspect Ronald Michael Hitchcock, 59, has been continued until Wednesday, August 19, at the request of defense attorney Rod Curbelo. Curbelo, a public defender, explained to Judge J. David Mazurek that he is still hoping to resolve the matter.

Hitchcock, who is being held at the West Valley Detention Center on $1 million bail, appeared in court July 8 for a disposition/reset hearing.

Deborah Ann Crouch (File Photo)

He is on trial for the murder of Erwin Lake resident, Deborah Ann Crouch, 53.

THE 2012 CASE

Hitchcock is facing two felony charges after Crouch’s body and that of a dog were retrieved from a submerged car in Big Bear Lake on September 15, 2012.

Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Swim Beach area of Meadow Park about 6 a.m. on that date, and made contact with a man (Hitchcock) — who was inside the fencing at Swim Beach and yelling — he explained his vehicle had crashed through the locked front gate and into the lake, according to a media advisory issued at the time by the Big Bear Station.

Sheriff’s Aviation’s 40-King was dispatched about 7 a.m. and once over the scene mapped the GPS coordinates of the car’s location. The car was located about 20 yards out from the beach.

Members of the department’s dive team went into Big Bear Lake and found the vehicle, which contained the female victim (Crouch) and a dog. They were both pronounced deceased at the scene.

INVESTIGATION/ARREST

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department homicide detectives were summoned to the scene and, following their investigation  — which included a search of Crouch’s residence on E Lane in Erwin Lake — arrested Hitchcock on suspicion of murder.

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By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – A 42-year-old Big Bear City arson suspect — Lorena Perez Cody — returns to San Bernardino County Superior Court st 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, for a disposition/reset hearing.

Firefighters brought this suspicious Big Bear City residential structure fire under control in 20 minutes. (Photo by Big Bear Fire Department)

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Cody following a suspicious residential structure fire about 7:30 a.m. on Friday, May 15, in the 400 block of East Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear City.

THE INCIDENT

The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station media advisory indicated that while firefighters were battling the fire, several witnesses reported seeing a female leaving the location on foot.

The Bomb and Arson Detail’s investigation and the public’s assistance led to Cody’s arrest.

THE FELONY COMPLAINT

The District Attorney filed a felony complaint against Cody charging the suspect, “did willfully, unlawfully, and maliciously set fire to and burn and cause to be burned an inhabited structure and inhabited property located at 420 East Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear City.”

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Grand theft auto charges have been filed against a 37-year-old transient related to the reported theft of two vehicles in Big Bear Valley. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear City, CA – Deputies of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station conducted a traffic stop shortly after 1 a.m. Friday (July 10) near the intersection of Mojave Boulevard and Rose Hill Drive in Big Bear City. The vehicle reportedly failed to stop at a posted stop sign.

The driver — identified as transient Shawn David Kelly, 37, was not the registered owner of the vehicle. Through investigation, deputies determined that Kelly had allegedly stolen the vehicle just minutes prior to the traffic stop from a local automotive repair shop.

Authorities contacted the registered owner and verified that Kelly did not have permission to be in possession of the vehicle.

FURTHER INVESTIGATION

Further investigation was conducted and Kelly was identified as the suspect of another vehicle theft that was reported on July 5.

Both vehicles were returned undamaged to their rightful owners.

THE ARREST

Suspect Kelly was taken into custody without incident about 1:30 a.m. and booked into the Big Bear Jail on felony charges of grand theft automobile.

Kelly is now in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in lieu of $50,000.

ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED

A video arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, at 12:30 p.m. in San Bernardino County Superior Court.

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A Big Bear Sheriff’s deputy was reportedly assaulted with his own baton while tryingt to arrest a burglary suspect in Big Bear City. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear City, CA – A 41-year-old burglary suspect — identified as Eric Bower — is in custody after allegedly assaulting a Big Bear Sheriff’s deputy with his own baton after being confronted by the officer.

THE INCIDENT

Shortly after 11 a.m. on July 15, Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies responded to a burglary in progress at a residence in the 700 block of East Maltby Boulevard in Big Bear City.

The homeowner told dispatchers a male subject had attempted to break into the victim’s garage through a side door. When the victim called out to him, the male subject fled the location.

The homeowner was able to maintain visual observations on the subject as he called 9-1-1.

CONTACT BY DEPUTY

A deputy made contact with the male subject a few blocks from the Maltby Boulevard residence.

The deputy reported that Bower immediately became agitated and combative upon initial contact. A struggle ensued, wherein Bower obtained the deputy’s baton and struck him with it. The deputy was able to control Bower and took him into custody without further incident.

Both the deputy and suspect were treated at a local hospital for their injuries.

THE ARREST

Suspect Eric Bower was arrested on felony charges of burglary and assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, pending a court hearing which is scheduled via video for 12:30 p.m.on Friday, July 17.

Bail was set at $50,000. 

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