Duke Early of Joshua Tree is arrested after causing several thousands of dollars of damage to a 76 Gas Station
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, January 21, 2020, 12:16 am
INCIDENT: Felony Vandalism, Resist/Delaying an Officer.
LOCATION: 61920 Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree.
SUSPECT(S): Duke Early, age 44 a resident of Joshua Tree
VICTIM(S): 76 Gas Station
SUMMARY: On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at approximately 12:16 a.m., deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Morongo Basin Station responded to a subject disturbance at the 76 Gas Station located at 61920 Twentynine Palms Highway. Staff at the gas reported a male subject, later identified as Duke Early, was in the parking lot harassing customers and vandalizing the fuel pumps. Upon arrival, deputies observed Early near the fuel pump island armed with a fuel pump hose, erratically swinging the hose and nozzle into the pumps. Deputies gave multiple commands to the suspect to stop swinging the fuel pump hose and peacefully surrender. Early did not comply and continued to actively vandalize the property.
A less lethal beanbag munition was deployed and was effective in gaining Early’s compliance. He was taken into custody without further incident, transported and booked into the West Valley Detention Center for felony vandalism. Damages to the business are estimated to be in excess of ten thousand dollars.
No deputies or citizens were injured during the incident.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Morongo Basin Station at (760)366-4175. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME.
Refer: Deputy A. Stumbo
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Case #: 092000108
Phone No. (760) 366-4175
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Morongo Basin Sheriff's Department
63665 Twentynine Palms Highway
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
