Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Monday, February 17, 2020

INCIDENT: PC 246.3 – Negligent Discharge of a Firearm / PC 215 - Carjacking / PC 211 - Robbery / PC 207 - Kidnapping / Possession of a Stolen Vehicle

LOCATION: 25717 Base Line Street, Highland

SUSPECT(S): Confidential - 14-year-old resident of Rialto
Manuel Esparza, 19-year-old resident of Highland

VICTIM(S): Confidential

SUMMARY: On Monday, February 17, 2020 at approximately 12:18 a.m., deputies from the Highland Police Department were dispatched to the Arco gas station located at 25717 Base Line Street, in reference to shots fired. The investigation revealed two Hispanic male subjects arrived at the location in a silver Mercedes SUV and entered the business. One subject exited the store and the other subject waited in line. The subject inside the store discharged one round from a firearm and both subjects fled the location in the vehicle. Deputies did not locate the suspects or vehicle.

At approximately 9:51 a.m., deputies from the Highland Police Department were dispatched to the 27200 block of 5th Street in reference to a carjacking. The investigation revealed the victim was in Rialto the night before when he was approached by two Hispanic male suspects. One suspect pointed a firearm at the victim and forced the victim to his silver Mercedes SUV where they used his shoe laces to tie him up. The suspects kidnapped the victim and drove him around while they attempted to withdraw money from various ATM machines. The suspects drove the victim to a vacant residence in the city of Highland where they stripped the victim of his clothing and hogged tied him before leaving. A good Samaritan heard the victim yelling for assistance and entered the residence to untie him. Through the investigation, it was determined the victim’s vehicle was the same vehicle involved in the shooting earlier. Rialto detectives were notified and they initiated a parallel investigation.

On Tuesday, February 18, 2020, a Highland Police Sergeant found the vehicle parked in the driveway of a residence on the 7400 block of McKinley Avenue. Four subjects entered the vehicle and a traffic stop was initiated. All four subjects were detained. The driver of the vehicle was a 14 year old gang member who matched the description of the suspect involved in the crime spree. One of the occupants was identified as 19-year-old Manuel Esparza of Highland. A loaded 9mm firearm was found inside the vehicle. The Rialto Police Department assumed the investigation and the 14-year-old driver and Esparza were later booked into jail.

The second suspect from the Arco gas station is still unidentified and the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact detectives the Highland Police Station at (909) 425-9793. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

Refer: Detective B. Chandler

Station: Highland

Phone No. (909) 425-9793

Case No. 132000635

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department