Two subjects burglarized a Big Bear Lake rental property, with one suspect now in custody — Freddie Chavez — and an unknown suspect is listed as a fugitive. Chavez has been arraigned on the burglary charge and heldf on $75,000 bail. (File Photo)
By Michael P. Neufeld
UPDATE – Monday, October 7 – 3:58 p.m.
Freddie Chavez, 21, suspected of burglarizing a vacation rental in Big Bear Lake has been arraigned on felony charge. Judge Kenneth Barr denied Chavez’ release on his own recognizance and set bail at $75,000.
Judge Bar conducted a video arraignment with Chavez in the West Valley Detention Center and accepted a not guilty plea from Chavez. He appointed the Public Defender and set a pre-preliminary hearing for 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 16, in Department S-23.
The Sheriff’s Department has not indicated whether the second unnamed suspect is in custody.
ORIGINAL STORY
Big Bear Lake, CA – A vacation rental property in the 41000 block of Swan Drive was entered by two men, a 55-inch flat screen television and other household items were taken from the residential property. Big Bear Deputies responded to the scene after receiving reports of a burglary in progress.
Officers were dispatched at about 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, to the Swan Drive address after the two male suspects were seen taking property from the vacation rental, loading them in a green vehicle, and departing the residence, according to a press release issued by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.
THE INCIDENT
Deputies conducted a security check of the home, they gained entry to the rental property through an open window and determined a number of items were missing from the location.
A green vehicle parked at an apartment complex a short distance away, in the 41000 block of Brownie Lane in Big Bear Lake, caught the attention of investigators. Officers made contact with a male subject — Freddie Chavez, 21 — because he matched the description of the 6-foot, 4-inch Hispanic male reportedly seen leaving the vacation rental in a green vehicle.
Chavez was found to be in possession of the property that was stolen from the rental property, including the flat screen television, speakers, radio, power tools, DVD player, telescope and various other items, the media release stated.
THE ARREST
Chavez was booked into the Big Bear Jail on a felony burglary charge. He was transferred to the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga where he is being held on $75,000 bail.
On Monday, October 7, Chavez is scheduled to be arraigned on the felony count at 12:30 p.m. in San Bernardino County Superior Court.
FUGITIVE SUSPECT
Big Bear Sheriff’s Deputies describe the second suspect as a Hispanic adult male, approximately 20 years of age. He was a fugitive at last report.
CONTACT SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
Individuals with information regarding the vacation rental burglary are urged to contact the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100.
Information about the incident can also be reported anonymously by contacting We-TIP at (800) 78-CRIME.
(382)