DATE/TIME: Tuesday, September 7, 2021 / 11:30 a.m.
INCIDENT: HS 11370.1(a) Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed
PC 646.9(a) Felony Stalking
PC 596(b) Felony Vandalism
PC 496(a) Possession of Stolen Property
LOCATION: 6200 Block of Regino Street, Twentynine Palms
SUSPECT(S): Christopher Michael Baker, 41-year-old, male, resident of Twentynine Palms
VICTIM(S): State of California
Edwin Zhen, 36-year-old, male, resident of Twentynine Palms
SUMMARY:
On Sunday, September 5, 2021, deputies responded to the 3400 block of Condor Road, in Twentynine Palms. The victim, Edwin Zhen, reported a male subject was at another residence Zhen owned in Twentynine Palms, vandalizing his property. While reporting the vandalism, Zhen received a notification from his home surveillance system on Condor Road. Zhen observed the same male subject on video surveillance, armed with a pistol type handgun. Deputies identified the suspect as Christopher Michael Baker, a 41-year-old male.
On Tuesday, September 7, 2021, deputies and detectives from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station served a search warrant at Baker’s residence in the 6000 block of Regino Street, in Twentynine Palms.
During the service of the search warrants, detectives located evidence related to the vandalism towards Zhen’s property. Detectives located a stolen firearm, a controlled substance, and approximately $6000.00 worth of stolen property from the Twentynine Palms Marine Corp Combat Center Fire Department where Baker was employed as a firefighter. Prior to his arrest, Baker had been placed on administrative leave.
Baker was arrested and booked at the Morongo Basin Jail. He was released on September 9, 2021, after posting a $200,000 bail bond.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective Shaunna Ables or Deputy Nelson Leon at (760)366-4175. 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: Deputy Nelson Leon or Detective Shaunna Ables
Station: Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station
Phone No. 760-366-4175
Case No. 2021001540 / 202101549
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
