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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