DATE/TIME: 09/07/20, 11:04 p.m. ***UPDATED 03/26/21***
INCIDENT: Deputies Request Public Assistance to Identify Outstanding Suspects in Armed Robbery
LOCATION: Alpine Liquor Store, 41000 Block of Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake
SUSPECT(S): Three Unidentified Male Subjects
VICTIM(S): Confidential
SUMMARY:
UPDATE 03/26/21:
One of the three suspects involved in the armed robbery at Alpine Liquor Store in Big Bear Lake on 09/7/20 was identified as Austin Timothy Bernash, a 22- year-old resident of Corona. Bernash was arrested and is in custody at the High Desert Detention Center. The District Attorney's Office has filed felony charges of second degree attempted robbery and second degree attempted burglary against Bernash. Additional enhancement charges have been filed related to the use of a firearm during the crime. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 17, 2021.
The second suspect has been identified as Michael Antonio Tino. Tino is a 22-year-old white male adult, 5'8" tall, 160 lbs., with blond hair and blue eyes. Michael Tino has distinctive tattoos on his right forearm and left elbow. Tino is believed to reside in Ontario, California.
The third suspect remains unidentified. Detectives are requesting the public’s help in identifying and locating him.
Anyone having information on the whereabouts of Michael Tino or identity of the third suspect is requested to contact Detective A. Montbriand at the Big Bear Sheriff's Station, (909) 866-0100. Information can also be reported anonymously by calling WE-TIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at www.wetip.com.
************
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: At approximately 11:00 p.m., Deputies from the Big Bear Sheriff's Station responded to an armed robbery at Alpine Liquor Store in Big Bear Lake. Three male subjects entered the store and brandished a handgun at the employee, demanding money from the cash register. An argument between the employee and suspects ensued and a physical fight broke out. During the altercation, one of the suspects fired the handgun, striking the employee in the leg. The victim was flown to a local medical center for treatment of the injury.
Video surveillance from the store captured the incident. The suspects fled the crime scene on foot, heading Westbound on Big Bear Blvd. With the assistance of the Sheriff's Aviation Division, Deputies canvassed the area. Despite an extensive search of the area, the suspects were not located. The investigation is ongoing at this time. The suspects remain outstanding and are believed to be armed and considered dangerous.
Anyone having information on the identity or whereabouts of the three suspects involved in this matter is requested to contact the Detective Bureau of the Big Bear Sheriff's Station at (909) 866-0100. Information can be reported anonymously by calling WE-TIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Tiffany Swantek, Media Relations
Station: Big Bear Sheriff's Station
Phone No. (909) 866-0100
Case No. 162000746
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
