By G. T. Houts

Crestline, CA – A 59-year-old Crestline man — Edward Joseph Bittner — is being held on $1 million bail charged with attempted murder, according to the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.

Bittner — who is being held at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga — was arrested on Monday, November 21, in the 1100 block of Saturn Way in Crestline.

THE INCIDENT

On Monday, November 21,  deputies from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station contacted the alleged victim regarding an assault with a deadly weapon incident. The victim stated he was in a heated argument with Bittner earlier in the day at Bittner’s Crestline residence.

A Twin Peaks media advisory indicates that after the argument and later in the afternoon, the victim was inside Bittner’s garage working on a vehicle.

Bittner reportedly retrieved a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson hand gun and fired one round from the handgun in the victim’s direction. The victim heard the gun shot and hid in the garage.

After the incident, the victim and another party convinced Bittner to turn over the handgun. The victim stated he was in fear for his safety and felt Bittner shot at him intentionally. Bittner made threatening statements earlier in the day and also threatened the victim with a knife on a separate occasion.

CONTACT WITH SUSPECT

Deputy Bullag contacted Bittner at his residence and placed him under arrest at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Based on the circumstances of the case, Bittner was arrested for Penal Code 664/187, Attempted Murder. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the West Valley Detention Center for booking.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Anyone with further information about the case should contact the Deputy Bullag at the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station (909) 336-0600.

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

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A Twin Peaks man was killed in the 31000 block of Wagon Wheel Drive in Running Springs Friday night. The unidentified suspect is still at large. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Running Springs, CA – A homicide investigation is underway by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail following the death of a 45-year-old Twin Peaks man.

The victim has been identified as John Eastwood and there is no suspect in custody, according to a media advisory issued by the Sheriff’s Department. Investigators are seeking the public’s help to identify the murder suspect.

THE INCIDENT

On Friday, December 2, 2016, at approximately 9:06 p.m., Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 31000 block of Wagon Wheel Drive in Running Springs for a report of a man suffering from trauma to his upper torso.

Eastwood was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

THE INVESTIGATION

Detectives from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail were requested to respond to the crime scene.

They are conducting the investigation.

INFORMATION SOUGHT

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Troy Mooradian or Sergeant David Johnson at (909) 387-3589.

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.

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Utility scammers collected $900 from a Blue Jay business after threatening to immediately turn off power to the firm. SCE is alerting businesses and residents of the scam in an effort to avoid additional victims. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Blue Jay, CA – With the holidays approaching, imposters have become more daring and creative in their attempts to deceive utility customers into paying non-existent bills with the threat of immediate service shut-off.

A Blue Jay business got shocked this past week by a utility scam to the tune of $900 after being told the firm “needed to make a deposit on their Southern California Edison account or they were shutting the electricity off,” according to the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station report.

THE SCAM

The business received a phone call on the evening of December 2 from a man identifying himself as a Southern California Edison employee and two the next day.

Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies were informed by the business owner that the caller ID read “SCE” and that the person on the phone gave “big wigs” names at Edison.

As directed, the business made two payments using Money Paks over the phone to avoid the power being shut off by the “Disconnection Department.”

Later, Southern California Edison confirmed the scam and a deputy was dispatched to the business to take the crime report.

ADVICE FROM SCE

Southern California Edison (SCE) reminds its customers:

• SCE employees will never ask that utility bills be paid with prepaid cash cards
• If customers receive a call demanding money by a prepaid cash card or other personal financial information, they should hang up and call the police immediately
• SCE does not maintain a disconnection department
• No credit transactions are conducted or processed on weekends or holidays

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SCE explains that it does not wish to see its business or residential customers fall victim to utility scams like the firm in Blue Jay.

Any questions regarding bill payment should be directed to SCE customer service at 1-800-990-7788 (for business customers) or 1-800-655-4555 (for residential customers) or by visiting SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON online.

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A Superior Court Jury has found Crestline resident Steven Michael Baumgartner, 55, guilty of killing his neighbor on June 30, 2014. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – Former Riverside County Deputy Sheriff Steven Michael Baumgartner, 55, from Crestline has been found guilty of murdering 38-year-old Michael Paul Clark in Crestline on June 30, 2014.

Steven Michael Baumgartner. (Contributed Photo)

The jury found Baumgartner guilty of second degree murder and could be facing 40 years to life in prison. He was also found guilty of using a firearm, discharging a firearm and discharging a firearm causing great bodily injury.

SENTENCING

Judge Harold T. Wilson, Jr. — who presided over the lengthy trial that ended Tuesday afternoon — will pronounce sentence on Thursday, October 20.

The sentencing hearing will begin at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-15 in the San Bernardino Justice Center.

THE INCIDENT

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Baumgartner was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Nelson Ng and represented by Conflict Panel Attorney Julian Ducre.

He is being held without bail at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

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By Susan A. Neufeld

Update 2 – 3/24/17

According to the Big Bear Station of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, 58 reports of fraudulent credit card use were filed with the Department between March 21 and 22, as the “skimming” operation impacted dozens of residents in the Big Bear area earlier this week.

Most of the fraudulent activity occurred on Tuesday, March 22, when the unidentified suspect(s) made withdrawals of thousands of dollars at numerous ATM locations off-the-mountain.  The “Fraud By False Pretense” offenses affected customers at all financial institutions in the Big Bear area, as well as several credit unions and banks in other locations.

Although 58 instances were initially reported, the number of affected accounts is likely much higher, since some victims may not have filed a police report after being reimbursed by their bank or credit union.

Affected persons sharing their experience on local social media platforms were in some cases also reporting that in monitoring their accounts, it was a fraudulent deposit that actually alerted them to the suspicious activity.  In some cases, the suspects in such operations use the victim’s ATM card and information to deposit a large check into the account.  The check is forged or drawn against a non-existent account or funds, but most banks will allow access to a certain portion of deposited funds before the check “clears.”  The suspects then later withdraw cash at an ATM, drawing against both the victim’s available balance, and a portion of the so-called “deposit.”

Persons who used an ATM or Debit card in the Big Bear Lake area in the last week are urged to closely monitor their bank accounts for any unusual or fraudulent activity.  Such activity should first be reported directly to the financial institution, then reported to the Big Bear Lake station of the SBSO.  Affected parties are urged to provide, if available, receipts from their legitimate ATM or Debit card purchases as far back as mid-March, to their bank and the Sheriff’s Department.  The receipts contain detailed information that may assist the financial institutions and SBSO investigators in determining the time and location(s) of the initial skimming activity.

If you have been affected, you may file a police report by contacting the Big Bear Station at (909) 866-0100 and a Deputy will respond to your home or workplace to collect your information.

Update 1 – 3:10 p.m.

The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station continues to receive a high volume reports of fraudulent credit card use.  They are currently working with a Specialized Division of the Sheriff’s Department and financial institutions including banks and  credit card companies to pinpoint the source of the fraud If you live or have been in the Big Bear lately and have been a victim of fraudulent charges you are urged to contact the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station to make a report.

Helpful Information

*Where have you recently used your bank/credit card in Big Bear?

*What type of card was compromised? (i.e., ATM card, debit+credit card ir credit card only)

*Is there a PIN associated with your card?

*Was the card used to fraudulently withdraw money from an ATM?  If so where and what time.

*Was your card used to make an online purchase? If so, what business(es) were purchases made from?

To make a report, please contact our local non-emergency dispatch line at (909) 866-7581

Original Story

Big Bear Lake, CA – The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station has recently received numerous calls for service reporting unauthorized and fraudulent use of credit cards. Deputies are working diligently with the Big Bear Detective Bureau in an ongoing investigation to identify the source of the fraud.  It is believed a skimming device is being used to capture credit and debit card information from unsuspecting victims.  The unidentified suspects are then using victim information to fraudulently withdraw money from bank accounts and to make online charges.

Skimmers are malicious card readers that record data from magnetic strip on a credit or bank card. They can be attached to legitimate payment terminals or used wirelessly to gather data from credit card swipes. Criminals then use the stolen data to make fraudulent charges, either online or with a counterfeit credit card.

Victims of card skimming are often unaware of the theft until they receive a billing statement or overdraft notice from the bank. It is important for consumers to monitor checking and credit card accounts online at least weekly, and to immediately notify the bank or credit card issuer of suspicious activity. Fraud alerts can be placed on individual credit reports by contacting TransUnion, Experian, or Equifax. According to the Federal Trade Commission, a consumer can request any one of these three national credit reporting companies to put a fraud alert on their credit report and they must notify the other two companies.

Victims are also urged to report skimming incident to their local law enforcement agency. To make a report with the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station, please call (909) 866-0100.

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By Joe Tunnel

Big Bear Lake CA. – A 21 year-old Big Bear Lake man was arrested on Saturday, April 1, 2017 after forcing his way into a home in the Moonridge area of Big Bear Lake, and assaulting a 60 year-old victim in the residence.

The suspect, Cody Lynn Mortensen, allegedly entered the residence on or about 10:00 p.m. and made contact with a 13 year-old female in the home. He was then confronted by the girl’s 60 year-old grandmother, who struggled with the suspect to keep him from getting to a bedroom where the 13 year-old had gone to hide. The grandmother continued to fight with the suspect, including defending herself with her cane, and at some point during the altercation the suspect sexually battered the woman.

As local law enforcement responded to the incident, a number of residents took to social media to report a large contingency of SBSO units with “lights and sirens” racing into the Moonridge area.

Deputies from the Big Bear Station arrived at the residence during the struggle and took Mortensen into custody. Mortensen reportedly told Deputies he had entered the home looking for his girlfriend, whom he believed to be in the residence.

Mortensen was booked into West Valley Detention Center with bail set at $125,000. He was arraigned on April 4, with a bail amount set at $175,000. He is charged with Sexual Battery PC243.4(A); Intent to commit great bodily harm or death upon an elder or dependent adult PC368(B); Assault With A Deadly Weapon with intent to inflict great bodily injury PC245(A); False Imprisonment PC236; attempt to Annoy or Molest Victim Under 18 PC647.6(A) and Trespassing by cutting down or injuring wood or standing timber on the property of another PC602(A).

Mortensen is scheduled to appear in San Bernardino County Superior Court on April 12, 2017 for further action.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100.

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By Susan A. Neufeld

Big Bear CA –  On Saturday April 29,2017, hikers located human skeletal remain on Cougar Crest Trail, a short distance  off the trail. Deputies from the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station responded and confirmed the remains were human.

On Sunday April 30, 2017, investigators from the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Homicide Detail and Coroner’s Division responded to the location and removed the skeletal remains. The identity of the remains, and a cause of death, are subject of an ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Detail — Detective Marc Goodwin or Sargent Jason Radeleff — at (909) 387-3589. Anyone with information who would like to remain anonymous is encouraged to contact We-Tip at (800)78-CRIME.

Will update when more information becomes available.

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By Susan A. Neufeld

Big Bear City –  On Wednesday May 10, 2017 Trent Coursey, a 22 year old  transient, and River Harp, 19 year old resident of Big Bear City and a 17 year old Resident of Big Bear City were arrested by Big Bear Sheriff on suspicion of conspiracy and home invasion.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., deputies of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of a physical assault near the intersection of Mt. Doble Drive and Big Bear Blvd. Upon arrival, deputies found a male subject with injuries, including lacerations to his extremities, swollen eyes, and a bloody nose. Through investigation, it was discovered that thee suspects entered the victim’s home in the 500 block of Irving Way in Big Bear City, one of the suspects assaulted the victim, stole his personal property, and all three fled the scene.

Deputies conducted a check of the area and performed a traffic stop on three males in a vehicle matching the suspects’ descriptions on Big Bear Blvd, near the intersection of Georgia Street. It was determined that they were the three suspects involved in the confrontation and robbery.

All three suspects were taken into custody without incident. Following further investigation, Trent Coursey was booked into the Big Bear Jail on a felony charge of Home Invasion Robbery. Coursey remains in custody in lieu of $200,000 bail. River Harp was booked into the Big Bear Jail on a felony charge of Conspiracy, with bail set at $25,000. Arraignment hearings for Coursey and Harp are scheduled for May 12 in San Bernardino County Superior Court. The juvenile was issued a citation for a felony charges of Conspiracy and released to his parents. The juvenile is scheduled to appear in Juvenile Court in San Bernardino on July 10.

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By Susan A. Neufeld

Cedar Glen, CA – On May 8, 2017 Lori Nelson 36, of Cedar Glen was arrested on  embezzlement charges. Sheriff deputies from the Twin Peaks Station executed a search warrant in the 29000 block of Lyon Drive, Cedar Glen, CA, regarding an embezzlement complaint. Deputy Bullag led the investigation and learned Lori Nelson, a former employee of the Shell Gas Station in Twin Peaks, had been stealing merchandise, cash and lottery tickets from her employer.  Deputy Bullag authored the warrant, based on information he obtained from the investigation.

During the execution of the warrant deputies recovered approximately $1,000 worth of non-winning California Lottery scratch tickets. The tickets were reported stolen by Nelson’s former employers and were taken as evidence. After completing the search warrant and his investigation, Deputy Bullag arrested Lori Nelson for PC503, Embezzlement and PC487, Grand Theft. Nelson was transported to the Central Detention Center for booking. She was released on her own recognizance.

Anyone with further information about the case contact the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station

(909) 336-0600.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at http://www.wetip.com

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By Susan A. Neufeld

On May 13, 2017, just after midnight, Twin Peaks Sheriffs Deputies were called to 30800 block of All View Drive, Running Springs. A 29 year old resident of Running Springs had been assaulted.

The victim went out to move her truck to her driveway from the street.  Unbeknownst to her, Daniel Condie, a 26 year old resident of Running Springs and another male were inside the truck with the doors closed and the lights off. The victim opened the driver’s door, to get inside, and Condie punched her in the mouth, causing injuries to her teeth, gums, and lips. Condie jumped from the truck and fled down the street toward Live Oak Drive. The victim’s truck ignition was turned into the on position but the battery was dead so the engine did not start.

Condie dropped a set of car keys, a garage door opener and a beanie as he ran from the truck. Deputies determined the keys belonged to another victim.

The victim’s husband heard her scream, and saw Condie run down the street, so he chased Condie to the end of the block on All View Drive and Live Oak Drive. He confronted Condie but did not know what happened or why Condie ran. He returned to his residence to check on his wife and discovered she was assaulted.

The second suspect was described as a younger light skinned Hispanic male, with a rounder face, and wearing a black sweater with strings hanging from it. He ran in the opposite direction  on All View Drive.

Deputies located Condie inside the residence on the corner of All View Drive and Live Oak Drive. Condie was positively identified as the suspect by the eye witness and the victim. Condie was arrested and is held in custody in lieu of $15,000 bail.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Deputy Brian Butts at the Twin Peaks Station, (909) 336-0600 or WeTip 1-800-78-CRIME.

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By Susan A. Neufeld

Green Valley Lake, CA –  Michael Kinsley, 26 year old resident of Green Valley Lake, was arrested in the 33600 block of Green Valley Lake for assault with a deadly weapon.

On May 14, 2017 about 2:48 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call regarding a Civil Dispute. As deputies were in route, the victim called 911 to report Michael Kinsley was armed with a golf club and had hit him and his friend with the club. Deputies arrived to find the victim and Kinsley struggling for control of a wooden club. Kinsley saw the deputies and immediately fled on foot.

Deputies chased Kinsley, and while running, Kinsley dropped the club and a knife with a 12″ blade. Kinsley jumped a fence and disappeared. Deputies set up a perimeter and continued to search the area for him.

Kinsley was able to get to his residence, where he quickly closed a metal security screen door behind him. Deputies negotiated with Kinsley for over twenty minutes, as they tried to convince him to come outside peacefully. Kinsley exited the home and again attempted to flee from deputies. He was taken into custody after a brief struggle, which caused minor injuries to two deputies and Kinsley. During the struggle, Kinsley dropped a knife with a 6″ blade before being taken into custody.

Kinsley was taken to the Twin Peaks Station; while in the sally port intake area, Kinsley damaged a patrol vehicle trying to escape. Kinsley was transported and booked in to the Central Detention Center, where he is currently being held with out bail.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Deputy William Zerbe at the Twin Peaks Station (909) 336-0600 or WeTip 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website: http://www.wetip.com

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By Susan A. Neufeld

Crestline, CA – On Tuesday May 16, 2017, Deputy Cavender of the Twin Peaks Multiple Enforcement Team (MET) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the community of Crestline for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop Deputy Cavender contacted the driver and sole occupant of the Vehicle, Jeremy Johnson, a 27 year old resident of Valley of Enchantment. A records check was conducted and Johnson was found to be on felony probation of HS 11378, Possession of Narcotics for Sale. During a probation search of the vehicle, approximately 21 grams of methamphetamine, 58 grams of heroin and 11 grams of suspected cocaine were located.  Numerous small zip lock packaging baggies and a large amount of US currency in various denominations consistent with the sales of narcotics were found. Johnson was out on bail for previous HS 11378, Possession of Narcotics for Sales violation.

Johnson was arrested for HS 11378, Possession of Narcotics for Sale, HS 11379, Transportation of Narcotics for Sale, PC 12022.1(B), Committing a Felony while out on bail and PC 1203.2, Violation of Probation.  Johnson was booked into the Central Detention Center and is currently being held without bail.

The case will be submitted to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office for review.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Deputy Jonathan Cavender at the Twin Peaks Station, (909) 336-0600, or WeTip 1-800-78-CRIME.

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By Susan A. Neufeld

Sugarloaf, CA – On May 23, 2017 at 2:18 p.m., deputies from the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station responded to a reported bomb threat at Baldwin Lane Elementary School in Sugarloaf.

School officials advised Sheriff’s Dispatch that they received a call at approximately 2:10 p.m. from what sounded like a male subject trying to disguise his voice, saying that bombs had been planted in classrooms.  Classes were in session at the time the threat was made and school officials worked quickly to evacuate approximately 400 students and faculty members to the parking lot and outlying playground.

Multiple patrol units responded to the call for service and deputies worked as a team to conduct a systematic and thorough search of the inside and outside of the school. At approximately 3:20 p.m., a sweep of the entire premises was concluded and deputies found no suspicious persons or packages at the school.

Anyone having information as to the identity of the caller is requested to contact the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100. Reports can also be made anonymously by calling WE-TIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at http://www.wetip.com

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By G. T. Houts

Twin Peaks, CA – On Sunday May 21, 2017 at approximately 8:18 p.m. deputies from the Twin Peaks Station responded to a 911 call in the 25800 block of Mil Pine Road, the victim made the call.

The victim stated he know the two subjects that robbed him at gun point. The victim told the deputies that Jonathan Huskey, and Travis Yonkers took his car keys, $380 cash and other personal belongings from him. After taking the victim’s items, Yonkers and Huskey fled the scene.

Deputies from the Twin Peaks Station’s Multiple Enforcement Team (MET) and detectives took over the investigation. They were able to obtain information on Yonkers and Huskey’s whereabouts, the investigation led deputies and detectives to a residence in the Sugarloaf area of Big Bear Lake. A search warrant was obtained for the resident. Due to the severity of the crime, and the fact that a weapon was involved, members of Sheriff’s Specialized Enforcement Division (SED) assisted with contacting Yonkers and Huskey . During the service of the search warrant, deputies located and contacted Huskey and Yonkers. Deputies also located a .45 caliber handgun, heroin and the victim’s stolen property.

Travis Yonkers, 27 of Sugarloaf, CA and Jonathan Huskey 28 of Green Valley Lake were arrested for PC 211 — Armed Robbery — and transported to the Big Bear Jail for booking. Their bail was set at $200,000 each

Any one with additional information about this case should contact the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station (909) 336-0600. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the WE-Tip Hotline at 1-800–78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information information on the We-Tip Hotline at :http://www.wetip.com

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By G.T. Houts

Lake Arrowhead, CA – On Friday, May 26, 2017, at about 12:30 p.m., the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station received a call from a 20-year-old female victim reporting her ex-boyfriend, Joseph Williams, a 24 years old resident of Apple Valley, had sent her concerning text and picture messages. The text messages were direct threats to kill her, harm her family and conduct a “massacre” at the Lake Arrowhead Village, were she worked. Williams included pictures of an AR style rifle and a revolver to show he had the means to carry out the threats. Williams also claimed to have thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Deputies from the Twin Peaks Station and the Sheriff’s Specialized Enforcement Division responded to the threats. Deputies were strategically placed to ensure the public’s safety at the Lake Arrowhead Village and to protect the victim.

Williams was arrested when he returned to his residence in the Pioneer Trailer Park, on Pioneer Road in Apple Valley. Deputies served a search warrant at Williams’ residence for the firearms. An AR style .22 caliber rifle, a .357 revolver, and ammunition for each caliber were seized.

Deputies also discovered a Honey Oil Lab inside the residence. A Honey Oil Lab is a dangerous method used to extract hash oil from marijuana and commonly results in explosions.

Williams was on felony probation in San Bernardino County for a previous domestic violence conviction, and had a current criminal protective order against him, which prohibited him from possessing firearms.

Williams is being held in custody in lieu of $200,000 bail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy Eric Dyberg or Detective Russel Goines of the Sheriff’s Twin Peaks Station at (909) 336-0600 or We- Tip at *800) 782-7463 if they wish to remain anonymous.

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By G. T. Houts

Lake Arrowhead, CA –  On October 23, 2015, Deputies from the Twin Peaks station responded to a grand theft report in the 28000 block of Highway 189, in the community of Lake Arrowhead. During the investigation, it was discovered two binocular viewing machines were stolen from a business. The property was estimated to be worth a total of $25,000.

On May 15, 2017, the victim contacted deputies with an EBAY account that was selling a binocular machine similar to one of the stolen items. Deputy Mascetti discovered the EBAY account was from a pawn shop in San Bernardino. The pawn shop provided Mascetti with the serial number an it was confirmed that it was one of the stolen binocular machines from 2015. Pawn records indicated Jeffery Waegner, a 55 year old resident of San Bernardino, sold the stolen binocular machine to the pawn shop in 2015.

Thanks to the victim providing serial numbers for the stolen property and updating deputies with new evidence, a suspect to this 2015 case was identified.

Waegner is currently serving a state prison sentence and this case will be submitted to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office for review.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Deputy Jason Mascetti at the Twin Peaks Station (909) 336-0600 or We Tip 1-800-78-CRIME.

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On Wednesday, June 14, the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station invites the public to “Coffee With A Cop” at the Starbucks in Blue Jay. (File Photo)

By Susan A. Neufeld

Blue Jay, CA – Here’s your chance to meet deputies from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station and officers  during “Coffee With A Cop” on Wednesday, June 14, at 8:30 a.m. at Starbucks in Blue Jay.

Twin Peaks Captain Dale Gregory encourage residents to bring their questions and have them answered by officers during “Coffee With A Cop.”

COFFEE WITH A COP

Gilbert Flores, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Service Specialist says the event is an excellent opportunity for residents and officers to discuss issues of concern in a personal, non-formal setting.

“This is a great way for our citizens to meet and talk to the deputies and officers who serve their community,” Flores said in a media release.

“All are welcome to join us as we answer your questions and help give you an understanding of our deputies and CHP Officers,” Flores added.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Starbucks is located at Jensen’s Market on Hwy 189 in Blue Jay.

For more information on the “Coffee With A Cop” program, contact Gilbert Flores at the Twin Peaks Station,  (909) 336-0600.

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By Susan A. Neufeld

Crestline, CA – On June 17, 2017, deputies from the Twin Peaks Station responded to Goodwin’s Market, in Crestline, regarding an assault incident.

The victim advised Matthew Kiser, 34 years old of Crestline, to leave the store and was told he was trespassing. Kiser had been given a trespassing warning in the past and was not to be on the property.

After being told to leave, Kiser punched the 75 year old victim, striking him on the forehead. After being struck, the victim fell to the floor and lost consciousness. Deputies quickly responded to a 911 call and contacted Kiser, as he was walking away from the store. Due to the victim being above the age of 75 years old, Kaiser was arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center for PC 368(B)(1), Elder Abuse with Injury.

Anyone with information about the case should contact the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station (909) 336-0600. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or http://www.wetip.com.

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By G. T. Houts

Lake Arrowhead, CA – On Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at approximately 3:28 p.m., a concerned family member contacted sheriff’s dispatch and requested a welfare check on Steven and Valorie Montoya. The family member had been unable to contact the them. Twin Peaks Sheriff Station deputies were dispatched to the Montoya’s residence,  in the 900 block of Hospital Road, Lake Arrowhead. Upon deputies’ arrival, they made entry into the residence and found Steven, 57 years old and Valorie, 58 years old, deceased.

Investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Specialized Investigations Division-Homicide Detail responded to the location and conducted a homicide investigation.

At this point, evidence suggests there were no other persons involved in Steven and Valorie’s death and their deaths were a result of murder/suicide.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Julius McChristian or Detective Troy Mooradian at (909) 387-3589.

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By G. T. Houts

Twin Peaks, CA – On July 14, 2017, Deputy Cavender reviewed a micro SD storage card that had been turned in to the police by a concerned citizen. The card contained over 50 images for child pornography. An investigation was conducted and the suspect was positively identified as Juan Ventura Astengo, a 46 year old resident of Blue Jay.  The photos were from various locations on the mountain.

One victim and unidentified female appeared to be 16-17 years old. Deputies are seeking assistance in identifying this victim.

Astengo who was already in custody at a San Bernardino County Jail Facility on an unrelated matter (Domestic Violence, False Imprisonment, Kidnapping, Narcotics violations, Criminal Threats), was additionally booked for Lewd Acts with a Child. He is scheduled to appear in Central Superior court on July 25th regarding the Lewd Acts Charges.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Investigations  Division a the Twin Peaks Station, (909) 336-0600 or those wishing to remain anonymous may call We Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME.

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