DATE/TIME: April 1, 2022, at approximately 11:15 p.m.
INCIDENT: Evade Peace Officer, Possession of Illegal Assault Rifle
LOCATION: Alder Avenue / San Bernardino Avenue, Fontana
SUSPECT(S): Angel Topete, 31-years-old, resident of Hesperia
VICTIM(S): State of California
SUMMARY: On Friday, April 1, 2022, at approximately 11:15 p.m., Deputy Trigueros from the Fontana Sheriff's Station was conducting proactive patrol near Alder Avenue and San Bernardino Avenue.
Trigueros noticed a late model red Ford Expedition directly in front of him driving wrecklessly in violation of California Vehicle Code 23103.
Deputy Trigueros activated his emergency lights and siren and attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle. The vehicle accelerated and fled in an effort to get away from the marked unit.
Additional units from the Fontana Sheriff's Station, with the assistance of Sheriff's Aviation 40 King, responded to assist in the vehicle pursuit. The suspect, later identified as Angel Topete, fled from deputies and drove through Fontana city streets without regard for public safety. Topete briefly entered Interstate 10 westbound from Cedar Avenue to Citrus Avenue, exited the freeway and yielded to marked units. Deputies conducted a high risk, felony traffic stop on the vehicle where Topete was taken into custody without further incident.
Deputies searched the vehicle and discovered Topete had an illegal assault rifle (AR-15 type) wilth a loaded high capacity magazine on the passenger side within his reach. The assault rifle did not contain a serial number and is known as a ghost gun. Deputies also discovered the rifle had been fired from the interior of the vehicle through the windshield at an unknown intended target. Local hospitals were advised to notify investigators from the Fontana Sheriff's Station about any related gunshot victims.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact investigators at the Fontana Sheriff's Station. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com
Refer: Deputy Trigueros
Station: Fontana Station
Phone No. 909-356-6767
Case No. 032200919
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
