By G. T. Houts

UPDATE: Tuesday, January 5 – 4:05 p.m.

San Bernardino, CA – A not guilty plea has been entered by Joshua James Tulk, 32, to felony charges of residential burglary and possession of stolen property.

Tulk, who was arraigned Tuesday afternoon via video from the West Valley Detention Center, was denied being released on his own recognizance and Commissioner Ronald J. Gilbert set bail at $175,000.

A pre-preliminary hearing has been scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on January 13 in Department S-11.

ORIGINAL STORY

San Bernardino, CA – A 32-year-old Big Bear resident — identified as Joshua James Tulk — is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday, January 5, in San Bernardino County Superior Court. The video arraignment is set for 12:30 p.m., according to court documents.

Turk is currently being held at the West Valley Detention Center on an $85,000 no bail hold.

THE CASE

On Wednesday, December 30, Big Bear Sheriff’s station deputies responded to a residential burglary call in the 41000 block of Mockingbird Drive in Big Bear Lake.

The victim told officers that she discovered her purse was recently stolen from her vehicle while it was parked inside the attached garage of her residence. The burglary was captured on the victim’s video surveillance system.

After reviewing the video, deputies recognized the suspect as Joshua James Tulk. Tulk is currently on felony probation.

THE ARREST

On December 31, 2015, at approximately 9:40 a.m., detectives and deputies from the Big Bear Sheriff’s station contacted Tulk at his residence in the 1100 block of Comanche Drive in Big Bear Lake.

The officers conducted a probation compliance check and Tulk was allegedly found to be in possession of property taken during the residential burglary.

Tulk was taken into custody without incident at 12:30 p.m. and booked on felony charges of residential burglary and possession of stolen property.

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Anthony Christopher Magana, 37, — a Running Springs resident — is facing battery with serious bodily injury charges following an incident on Saturday, January 9. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Arrowbear, CA – A 37-year-old Running Springs man — identified by authorities as Anthony Christopher Magana — is facing battery with serious bodily injury charges following an incident on Saturday, January 9, at about 2:44 p.m.

The Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station issued a media advisory about the incident on January 11 indicating deputies from Twin Peaks and Big Bear along with the California Highway Patrol and San Bernardino National Forest Law Enforcement Division were dispatched to Snow Valley’s parking lot.

The resort’s security team also responded to the incident as law enforcement officers were dispatched after several shots fired calls were received by 9-1-1 operators.

THE INCIDENT

A physical altercation occurred in the parking lot between Magana and four subjects.

The Crystal Report on the incident released by the Twin Peaks Station indicates Magana allegedly punched one of the victims knocking him unconscious. The victim’s family members then got involved and Magana reportedly punched another victim in the mouth  causing what deputies described as a large laceration inside the victim’s mouth.

Deputies report that during the altercation, Magana’s wife, Jennifer, 31, retrieved a firearm from her vehicle and fired several shots in the air to stop the fight.

Magana was booked at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino and released after posting $100,000 bail. (Photo by ROTWNEWS.com)

THE ARREST

Deputies place Anthony Magana under arrest on the battery charge and he was booked at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino with bail set at $100,000.

Magana posted bail and was released from custody at 2:04 a.m. on Sunday, January 10.

His wife, Jennifer, was arrested for discharging a firearm and released at the scene, according to the press release issued by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.

A report has been submitted to the San Bernardino County District Attorney for review.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The resort issued the following statement:

“The safety, security, and comfort of our guests and employees have always been top priorities and key to our success throughout our nearly 80 years of operation.”

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Robert Maestas at the Twin Peaks Station at (909) 336-0600.

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A Victorville man — with ties to Big Bear — has been charged with 10 felony counts of child abuse. He has entered a plera of not guilty. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Hesperia, CA – A 46-year-old male substitute teacher — with ties to the Big Bear area — has been arrested on suspicion of sex crimes against a minor, according to a media release issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

The man — identified as Victorville resident Robert Daniel Gore — is accused of sexually abusing a male victim for a period of five years starting when the victim was 12 years old, the release noted.

Robert Daniel Gore (Booking Photo)

Detectives allege that the abuse occurred in Gore’s home, as well as, additional abuse that reportedly occurred in Big Bear, Vacaville, Hesperia, and Victorville during the years of 1998 to 2003.

THE ARREST

Victorville Sheriff’s Station deputies received information at about 5 p.m. Saturday, and interviewed Gore and subsequently arrested him.

The suspect was booked into the High Desert Detention Center and remains in custody in lieu of $500,000 bail, according to booking records.

Gore has worked as a substitute teacher for Hesperia Unified School District, and a Children’s Ministry Service Coordinator at Calvary Chapel High Desert in Hesperia. Detectives are releasing the booking photograph of Gore as they believe there may be additional victims.

COURT APPEARANCE

Gore was arraigned via video on Tuesday, January 12, in Victorville Superior Court.

Judge Dwight W. Moore entered a not guilty plea to 10 felony counts including continuous sexual abuse of a child and lewd and lascivious acts with a child. The judge also appointed the Public Defender.

Gore’s next court appearance — a pre-preliminary hearing — is scheduled for Thursday, January 21, at 8:30 a.m. in Department V-10.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Individuals with additional information about Gore or the case are encouraged to contact Detective John Everman with the Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 387-3615.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call We-Tip Hotline at (800) 782-7463 or visit WETIP online. www.wetip.com.

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Three armed suspects held-up Starbucks at Waterman Avenue and 40th Street Friday evening about 9:30 p.m. Police are hoping someone in the mountain communities can provide information about the incident. (Contributed Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – The San Bernardino Police Department is reaching out to mountain residents who may have information about the three suspects in an armed robbery at Starbucks at Waterman Avenue and 40th Street.

The robbery occurred about 9:30 p.m. on Friday, January 15, and police are hoping someone on Waterman Avenue heading up or down the mountain can provide information that will lead to the arrest of the three suspects.

THE HOLDUP

According to information provided by the San Bernardino Police Department, the three suspects entered the Starbucks wearing dark or black hoodies.

One of the suspects walked up to the register, displayed a gun and demanded that the clerk hand over money from the register.

While the armed robbery was underway, one of the three men stood guard at the front door of the business.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Officers responded to the scene and were informed that approximately $500 had been taken in the hold-up.

Mountain residents with information about the incident are urged to call the San Bernardino Police Department at (909) 384-5742.

Individuals who wish to remain anonymous should call (909) 384-5656.

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Lake Arrowhead resident Joshua Adam Navarro, 25, has a disposition/reset hearing January 20. 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 – Lake Arrowhead resident Joshua Adam Navarro, 25,  has a disposition/reset hearing in San Bernardino County Superior Court on Wednesday, January 20, related to the fatal head-on collision on Highway 138 near Phelan that killed his 18-year-old passenger. The hearing is scheduled for 8:35 a.m. in Department S-17.

The disposition/reset hearing for Lake Arrowhead murder suspect Joshua Adam Navarro will be held in Department S-17 in the San Bernardino Criminal Justice Building. (File Photo)

The crash — which killed Eliza Santibanez, 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.

CHARGED WITH MURDER

Navarro, who had two previous convictions for driving under the influence (January 2009 and July 2012), is facing the murder charge, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and two counts of DUI alcohol/drugs causing bodily injury.

On May 29, Navarro entered a plea of not guilty to all counts and denied special allegations.

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

LAST COURT APPEARANCE

Navarro last appeared before Judge Richard V. Peel on December 15, who established the disposition/reset hearing for January 20.

Navarro is represented by Deputy Public Defender Lee Sonnenberg and is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Enrique Guerrero, according to court documents.

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Church youth leader Yanhao Ren, 24, returns to court January 21 and a plea bargain could be in the offing. Ren is charged with sex crimes with a female victim under the age of 14. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – The 24-year-old church youth leader — Yanhao Ren (a.k.a. Eric Ren) — who is charged with sex crimes in May with a child under 14 years of age for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old female victim, returns to court Thursday, January 21.

Eric Ren (Booking Photo)

Judge Cheryl Kersey will preside over the disposition/reset hearing at 8:45 a.m. in Department S-11 and has directed Deputy District Attorney Bobbie Mann to make a plea bargain offer before Thursday’s hearing.

Ren is free on $250,000 bail and was ordered by Judge Kersey to appear on the aforementioned hearing date.

He has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges stemming from his arrest near Running Springs July 13 of last year.

Ren, a youth leader for Evangelical Formosan Church of Rowland Heights for the past two years, is facing multiple charges including sodomy with a child under 14, oral copulation with a child under 14, penetration with a foreign object with a child and kidnapping.

THE CASE

On Sunday, July 12, just before midnight, CHP officers conducted a welfare check on the occupants of a vehicle parked in a Highway 330 turn-out near Fredalba Road.

Officers reportedly discovered Ren in the back of the vehicle with the victim. The victim and Ren told detectives that they began a sexual relationship in May of this year. The victim met Ren while attending the youth programs of the church.

Investigators have determined that during the following months they engaged in several sexual acts in the counties of Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino.

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Riley Allen Foust, 20, and Tyler Nicholas Olson, 22, face narcotics for sale charges following their arrest late Tuesday evening at a residence in the 300 block of Spruce Avenue in Sugarloaf. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Sugarloaf, CA – Two Sugarloaf men face narcotics for sale charges following their arrest late Tuesday evening at a residence in the 300 block of Spruce Avenue.

Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies served a search warrant in conjunction with an ongoing investigation shortly after 8 p.m. on January 19 and discovered methamphetamine and paraphernalia consistent with drug sales.

THE ARREST

Deputies arrested Riley Allen Foust, 20, and  Tyler Nicholas Olson, 22, on the drug charges and they were booked at the West Valley Detention Center in rancho Cucamonga.

In addition to the aforementioned charges, Olson was charged with being in possession of an illegal baton.

The media release indicated the two men were arrested without incident. Olson is being held on $60,000 bail and Foust on $75,000 bail, according to Sheriff’s Department booking documents.

COURT APPEARANCE

Foust and Olsen are scheduled for a video arraignment at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 21.

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The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station is asking the public to help identify two counterfeit $20 bill suspects. (Contributed Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA – Video surveillance of two possible suspects passing $20 counterfeit bills is being used by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Department to hopefully help identify the male and female suspected of passing the fake currency.

On January 20, deputies received a report of counterfeit $20 bills being passed at K-Mart and CVS in Big Bear Lake.

It was reported that two days prior, an unidentified male and female purchased a $100 reloadable credit card from K-Mart and then purchased an additional $300 worth of credit on the reloadable card at CVS using the counterfeit bills.

A media release from the Big Bear Station reports that the counterfeit bills were not immediately identified …to be phony, but were later determined to be fake when the cash registers were being processed.

THE SUSPECTS

The suspects were reported to be driving a newer, dark grey, Audi A3 with paper plates, according to the release.

Persons with information as to the identity of the male and/or female suspects shown in the picture are requested to contact the Detective Bureau of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100.

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By G. T. Houts

UPDATE: Saturday, January 23 – 4:08 a.m.

Big Bear Lake, CA – The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station is still seeking 30-year-old Scott Jason Clinkenbeard and deputies are requesting the public’s assistance in locating him.

Public Information Officer Tiffany Swantek told ROTWNEWS.com that Clinkenbeard is wanted on a $50,000 felony warrant for grand theft.

The MOST WANTED FUGITIVE is known to frequent the Big Bear area, as well as Upland.

Swantek’s media advisory indicates that Clinkenbeard is a white male adult, 5’7″, 140 lbs. with brown hair (dyed blonde) and hazel eyes.

Call the the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100 if you have information about Clinkenbeard.

ORIGINAL STORY

Big Bear Lake, CA – The mountain’s newest MOST WANTED FUGITIVE is 30-year-old Scott Jason Clinkenbeard, according to the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.

A media advisory issued by the Sheriff’s Department states that deputies are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Clinkenbeard.

SCOTT JASON CLINKENBEARD

Clinkenbeard is wanted on a $50,000 felony warrant for grand theft. He is known to frequent the Big Bear area, as well as Upland.

The fugitive is a 30-year-old white male adult, 5’7″, 140 lbs. with brown hair (dyed blonde) and hazel eyes.

CONTACT AUTHORITIES

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Scott Clinkenbeard 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 WE TIP.

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Richard Lee Gerdelman, 31, has been arrested as a suspect in burglary case and an unrelated assault case. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear City, CA – A pedestrian check near the intersection of East Country Club and North Greenway Drive in Big Bear City led to the arrest of Richard Lee Gerdelman, 31, by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Department’s Multi-Enforcement Team (MET).

Gerdelman, who was wanted in connection with ongoing investigations in burglary and assault cases that were both committed within the last three months, was arrested shortly after 2 p.m. Friday, January 22.

BURGLARY CASE

A media release reports that, in connection with the burglary case, it was determined that Gerdelman and another suspect stole property from a residence in the 200 block of West Mojave Boulevard in Big Bear City.

At the time the incident was reported, evidence was collected from the scene and processed, according to the release.

Analysis of latent fingerprints positively identified Richard Gerdelman as a suspect.

ASSAULT CASE

MET officers determined that Gerdelman was the suspect in an assault case that occurred at a local bar in Big Bear Lake, wherein the victim sustained major head trauma resulting in permanent physical impairment.

RICHARD LEE GERDELMAN

Central Detention Center (Photo by ROTWNEWS.com)

Gerdelman is currently on probation on a felony forgery case and was on Post Release Community Supervision.

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.

Suspect Richard Gerdelman was arrested without incident and booked into the Big Bear Jail on felony charges of burglary and assault.

He was transported to the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino where he is being held without bail.

COURT APPEARANCES

A video arraignment hearing on the cases are set for January 26, at 12:30 p.m. in San Bernardino County Superior Court.

The following day, January 27, Gerdelman is scheduled for a 12:30 p.m. video arraignment on a charge of parole violation, resisting arrest and a request to revoke his probation.

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An 18-month sentence has been handed down to Richard Latka, 57, who threatened to kill a U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer who contacted him in relation to an investigation into trash dumped in the San Bernardino National Forest. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Los Angeles, CA – A 57-year-old man who repeatedly threatened to kill a United States Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer who contacted the man in relation to an investigation into trash dumped in the San Bernardino National Forest has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison.

A media release from the U.S. Attorney’s office in Los Angeles reported that Richard Latka from Hemet, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer.

THE INCIDENT AND CASE

Latka was found guilty in October by a federal jury of threatening to assault and murder the federal officer. According to the evidence presented at the trial, the Forest Service Officer went to a residence on Persimmons Lane in Hemet in October 2014 to investigate a large amount of trash that had recently been dumped in the nearby national forest.

The officer encountered Latka in the front yard of the residence, and Latka reacted angrily when the officer said he wished to speak to the owner of the home. Latka then ran toward the officer with clenched fists.

Believing that Latka intended to hit him, the officer drew his Taser and ordered Latka to stop. Latka stopped running but continued screaming at the officer. The officer tried to diffuse the situation by retreating to his car, but Latka followed the officer, continued to scream at him, and then pounded with both fists on the driver’s side window of the officer’s marked law enforcement vehicle.

The officer drove away, but Latka pursued the officer in his own car, screaming that he was going to kill the officer. At one point, Latka pulled up beside the officer and yelled, “Next time you’re dead!”
Witnesses reported that Latka later returned to the home and screamed to them that he was going to kill the officer.

U.S. ATTORNEY’S STATEMENT

“This federal law enforcement officer faced serious threats of assault and murder. The officer did everything he could to de-escalate the situation,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker.

“Instead of de-escalating, Mr. Latka made repeated threats to harm the officer, who was acting both lawfully and prudently. As a result of his dangerous conduct, his unwillingness to comply with law enforcement, and his failure to accept responsibility for his crime, Mr. Latka has earned this prison term,” Decker stated in a media advisory.

The case against Latka was the product of an investigation by the United States Forest Service.

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Daniel O’Connell, 49, has been arrested on suspicion of being in possession of narcotics for sale. (Contributed Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear City, CA – A 49-year-old Big  Bear City man has been arrested by the Multi-Enforcement Teasm (MET) at the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station charged with possession of narcotics for sale.

THE CASE

On Tuesday, January 26, while conducting a probation check  at a residence in the 700 block of E. Meadow Lane in Big Bear City, deputies of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station’s Multi-Enforcement Team arrested Daniel O’Connell.

During a search of the Big Bear City residence, O’Connell was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and paraphernalia consistent with drug sales.

THE ARREST

A media advisory from the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station reported that O’Connell was taken into custody without incident and booked on felony charges of possession of narcotics for sale and a misdemeanor charge of possession of unlawful paraphernalia.

O’Connell remains in custody in lieu of $60,000 bail, with an arraignment hearing scheduled for January 28 in San Bernardino County Superior Court.

THE MET TEAM

The Multi-Enforcement Team of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station works proactively with Big Bear patrol deputies, County Probation officers, and State Parole officers to routinely conduct home visits and searches on local parolees and probationers pursuant to the terms and conditions of their release.

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A court appearance is set for Friday, January 29, for the driver involved in the deadly tour bus crash on Highway 38 that left eight people dead and several others injured on Super Bowl Sunday 2013. (Photo by Wikimedia Commons)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – Norberto Bravo Perez, 55, who is charged with eight counts of felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence related to the deadly tour bus crash on Highway 38 on February 3, 2013, returns to court January 29 for a pre-trial hearing.

On November 19, Perez, with the assistance of an interpreter, entered a not guilty plea to all charges.

On January 7, Perez appeared before Judge J. David Mazurek who not only set the pre-trial hearing at 8:40 a.m. in Department S-15 but placed a trial readiness hearing on the court calendar for February 5 at 8:21 a.m. in the same courtroom.

If convicted as charged, he faces a maximum exposure of approximately 15 years in state prison.

THE CHARGES

The charges stem from the incident that took place along Highway 38, between Mentone and Forest Falls on February 3, 2013, with Perez driving a tour bus.

The 1996 VanPool bus, which originated from Tijuana, was heading back to Mexico from Big Bear.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Perez — who was arrested at 7:47 a.m. on November 18 by the California Highway Patrol at the San Ysidro Point of Entry — remains in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. Bail is set at $1 million.

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A false crime report of a kidnapping led to the issuance of a citation to a 14-year old female student at Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Lake Arrowhead, CA – A 14-year-old female student at Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School has been cited for making a false crime report that she had been kidnapped by two males near the Lake Arrowhead campus.

Dispatch received a call on Thursday morning about 10:50 a.m. referencing a kidnapping at the school. The victim claimed to have been grabbed by two unknown males who placed a hood over her head, and threw her into a black van in front of the school. She further stated she was released from the vehicle a short distance away.

THE RESPONSE

All available Twin Peaks patrol units, California Highway Patrol, a Big Bear patrol unit, and the San Bernardino Police Department, with aerial assistance from Sheriff’s Department 40- King, responded and began an area search for the suspect vehicle.

Units were unable to locate the vehicle described by the teenager.

THE INVESTIGATION

During the investigation, the juvenile later told deputies that she, along with two male juveniles, decided to leave school campus. When the female received a call from her mother, she panicked and attempted to return to school.

While on her way back to campus on Rhine Road, the female juvenile called dispatch and reported she had been kidnapped in an attempt to keep herself from getting into trouble with her parents, the school, and the police.

Through investigation it was determined the juvenile’s allegations of kidnapping were false, according to a press release issued by the Sheriff’s Department

THE CITATION

Investigators issued a citation to the female juvenile for violating California Penal Code 148.5 — Making a False Crime Report. She was then released to her parents.

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Katherine Diaz, 22, is the suspect in two Big Bear City residential burglary cases after fingerprints identified her to authorities. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear City, CA – Latent fingerprints collected during the burglary investigation of two residences in Big Bear City led to the arrest of a 22-year-old suspect identified as Kathleen Diaz.

Diaz was arrested on February 4, by deputies of the Multi-Enforcement Team from the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station. The suspect was wanted in connection with ongoing investigations in two separate burglary cases that were committed at residences in Big Bear City.

THE INVESTIGATION

During the investigation, evidence was collected from both crime scenes and processed. Analysis of latent fingerprints positively identified Diaz — a resident of Big Bear City — as a suspect, according to a media release issued by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.

The MET deputies made contact with Diaz at her residence in the 700 block of West Country Club and arrested her without incident.

In addition to the burglary charges Diaz faces, she was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

A records check confirmed that Diaz also had an active warrant issued against her for failure to appear in court on a prior misdemeanor charge of being under the influence of a controlled substance.

THE BOOKING

The press release indicated that Diaz was originally booked into the Big Bear Jail on felony charges of burglary, a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance, and the outstanding misdemeanor warrant.

Diaz is currently in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga in lieu of $100,000 bail, pending an arraignment hearing set for Monday, February 8, in San Bernardino County Superior Court.

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William James Blackburn has entered a not guilty plea following his arrest on suspicion of a series of burglaries in the Lake Arrowhead area. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

Lake Arrowhead, CA – A 49-year-old man charged with a series of Lake Arrowhead residential burglaries — William James Blackburn — has entered a not guilty plea and remains in custody on $100,000 bail at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino.

THE CASE

William James Blackburn (Sheriff’s Department Photo)

On February 7, deputies and detectives from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station executed a search warrant in the 900 Block of North Drive in Lake Arrowhead.

Officers were were led to the residence after a vehicle was found near the scene of two residential burglaries. The vehicle was stuck in the mud and deputies believed the registered owner, identified in a press release as Blackburn, was responsible for the burglaries.

During the search, deputies recovered two stolen firearms as well as miscellaneous power tools and other items identified as stolen.

The items recovered at Blackburns residence were linked to burglaries in the Lake Arrowhead area over the past year.

THE ARREST

Blackburn, was found at the residence after attempting to hide in a storage container on the property. He was taken into custody for burglary as well as weapons violations.

Blackburn was transported the Central Detention Center and booked for PC 459, Burglary, PC 25850(2), Possession of a stolen firearm, and PC 496(a), Possession of stolen property.

THE ARRAIGNMENT

On February 9, Blackburn entered the not guilty plea to all charges during a video arraignment.

Court Commissioner Ronald J. Gilbert set a pre-preliminary hearing for 8:30 a.m. on Friday, February 19, in Department S-17.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The media release indicates that Blackburn is believed to be linked to burglaries in the Lake Arrowhead area.

Individuals having further information regarding this case or additional burglaries connected to Blackburn, are encouraged to contact the Twin Peaks Station at (909) 336-0687 or We Tip 1-800-78-CRIME.

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The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station is seeking probationer Patrick Hughes on a no bail warrant for violation of probation terms in connection with felony charges of automobile theft. (Contributed Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA – The newest addition to the list of the Mountain’s MOST WANTED fugitives is 44-year-old Patrick Hughes. He was added by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.

Deputies are requesting the public’s assistance in locating probationer Hughes. He is wanted on a no bail warrant for violation of probation terms in connection with felony charges of automobile theft.

PATRICK HUGHES

Hughes is described by authorities as a white male, 5’9″ tall and weighing about 185 pounds.

The MOST WANTED fugitive has a shaved head and blue eyes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Anyone having information on the whereabouts of Hughes 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 by visiting WETIP online. www.wetip.com.

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An incident on Highway 330 early Thursday morning led to the arrest of a 27-year-old man on a variety of charges including making terrorist threats. The suspect has now been released on bail. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

UPDATE: Saturday, February 20 – 4:33 p.m.

San Bernardino, CA – A video arraignment is scheduled at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, February 22, for Jonathan Gilbert McCallum, 27, who is charged with being a felon in Possession of a Firearm, Terrorist Threats, Grand Theft Auto, Possession of Stolen Property and Driving While Intoxicated.

McCallum, a San Bernardino resident, allegedly brandished a weapon in the 16600 block of Highway 330 in Running Springs early Thursday morning. The unidentified victim told authorities the father of her child (McCallum), had pointed a gun with a laser at her and that she feared for her life.

RELEASED ON BAIL

McCallum was released on bail from the Central Detention Center at 10:25 p.m. on February 18, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The amount of  the bail was not immediately available.

ORIGINAL STORY

Running Springs, CA – A 27-year-old San Bernardino man is in custody after allegedly brandishing a
weapon in the 16600 block of Highway 330 in Running Springs early Thursday morning.

Deputies from the Twin Peaks Station responded to a report at about 1:37 a.m. of a male subject — later identified as Jonathan Gilbert McCallum — brandishing a weapon.

The unidentified victim called 911 reporting the father of her child (McCallum), had pointed a gun with a laser at her. The victim feared McCallum and stated he was following her down the hill on Highway 330 in a maroon Dodge Charger.

A short time later, the victim was driving westbound on Highland Avenue at Sterling Avenue in San Bernardino when Deputy Antonio Alcala observed McCallum’s vehicle and conducted a high risk traffic stop. Alcala was assisted by other deputies from the Central and Highland Sheriff Stations.

THE ARREST

McCallum was detained by officers and a stolen Glock 9mm handgun with laser sights was found loaded
in his waistband, according to information provided to ROTWNEWS.com.

The Central Detention Center in San Bernardino. (Photo by ROTWNEWS.com)

McCallum was arrested and booked for being a felon in Possession of a Firearm, Terrorist Threats, Grand Theft Auto, Possession of Stolen Property and Driving While Intoxicated.

McCallum was booked at the Central Detention Center without incident.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The vehicle McCallum was driving and the handgun were reportedly stolen out of Nixa, Missouri.

McCallum has several arrests for weapons violations prior to this incident, according to a media release
issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

His first court appearance on the charges will be a video arraignment at 12:30 p.m. on Monday,
February 22.

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The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station is asking the public to help identify two counterfeit $20 bill suspects. (Contributed Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA – Video surveillance of two possible suspects passing $20 counterfeit bills is being used by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Department to hopefully help identify the male and female suspected of passing the fake currency.

On January 20, deputies received a report of counterfeit $20 bills being passed at K-Mart and CVS in Big Bear Lake.

It was reported that two days prior, an unidentified male and female purchased a $100 reloadable credit card from K-Mart and then purchased an additional $300 worth of credit on the reloadable card at CVS using the counterfeit bills.

A media release from the Big Bear Station reports that the counterfeit bills were not immediately identified …to be phony, but were later determined to be fake when the cash registers were being processed.

THE SUSPECTS

The suspects were reported to be driving a newer, dark grey, Audi A3 with paper plates, according to the release.

Persons with information as to the identity of the male and/or female suspects shown in the picture are requested to contact the Detective Bureau of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100.

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Jorge Luis Ocampo, 20, was arrested after an attempted robbery of Nick’s Auto Care in Big Bear Lake according to authorities. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA – A 20-year-old Los Angeles man — Jorge Luis Ocampo — has been arrested after he allegedly tried to rob Nick’s Car Care in Big Bear Lake Friday just before 3 p.m.

THE INCIDENT

Nick’s Auto Care is located in the 40000 block of Big Bear Boulevard. (Contributed Photo)

The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station media release reported that, when officers responded to the business in the 40000 block of Big Bear Boulevard, they were informed a male subject — later identified as Ocampo — showed an imitation firearm to the clerk working at the front counter and demanded money.

The suspect then fled west on Big Bear Boulevard without receiving any money.

The business staff was able to provide deputies with a vehicle description and license plate obtained before the vehicle sped from the scene.

THE ARREST

Big Bear deputies — assisted by Sheriff’s Aviation and deputies from the Twin Peaks Station — searched for the vehicle.

The suspect and vehicle were located near Deep Creek Drive and Cougar Lane in Arrowbear.

Ocampo was placed under arrest and booked into the Big Bear Jail on February 26 for attempted robbery. Bail was set at $59,000.

Ocampo posted bail Saturday, February 27, and was released at 1:52 a.m.

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