DATE/TIME: Tuesday, November 23, 2021
INCIDENT: PC 538 D - Impersonation of a Police Officer
LOCATION: Onaga Trail and Church Street , Yucca Valley, CA
SUSPECT(S): Johnny Mendez ,18-year-old Resident of Yucca Valley
VICTIM(S): County of San Bernardino
SUMMARY:
On Tuesday, November 23, 2021, the Multiple Enforcement Team (MET) assigned to the Town of Yucca Valley was conducting proactive patrol near the intersection of Onaga Trail and Church Street, in the Town of Yucca Valley.
Depuites observed a black Dodge Charger displaying flashing red and blue emergency lights which were affixed to the vehicle. The driver, later identified as Johnny Mendez, attempted to pull over another vehicle in his Dodge Charger with the lights acivated. Deputies Carlos and Ortiz noticed the vehicle was not a law enforcement vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on the Dodge Charger. When Mendez was contacted, deputies discovered Mendez was not a law enforcement officer and arrested him for penal code violation of PC 538 D, Impersonating a Police Officer.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone who may have been a victim of Mendez or has any information regarding this investigation, is urged to contact Deputy J. Ortiz and Deputy Carlos at 760-366-4175. Callers who wish to remain anonymous are urged to call the We Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.
The Multi Enforcement Team, or MET, is a specialized position within the Town of Yucca Valley Police Department. The primary focus of problem-oriented policing is to provide solutions to law enforcement-related issues that adversely affect citizens, who work, live and visit the Town of Yucca Valley. The position is funded by the Town of Yucca Valley Measure Y and was instrumental in the investigation of this case.
Refer: DEPUTY Z. CARLOS/ J. ORTIZ
Station: MORONGO BASIN STATION
Phone No. (760) 366-4175
Case No. 232102697
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
