Vehicle Pursuit Ends After Suspect Collides into Power Pole; Vehicle Search Nets Multiple Stolen Firearms
DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 11:59am
INCIDENT: PC 29800(A)(1): FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM
PC 496(A): POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY
PC 496D(A): POSSESSION OF A STOLEN VEHICLE
VC 2800.2(A): EVADING A PEACE OFFICER WITH DISREGARD FOR PUBLIC SAFETY
LOCATION: Buenos Aires Road/ Buena Vista Road, Lucerne Valley
SUSPECT: Thomas Barnett, 37-years-old, resident of Lucerne Valley
SUMMARY:
On Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 11:59am, Deputies A. Schwingel and B. Coley attempted to stop a white Ford-F150 for California Vehicle Code violations.
The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Thomas Barnett, refused to stop. Barnett drove through several private property perimeter fences, hit multiple mailboxes, and eventually collided with an Edison power pole.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies located a loaded handgun on the driver’s side floorboard and six additional handguns in a black storage box. The firearms were confirmed stolen during a recent burglary in Apple Valley. The vehicle Barnett was driving was reported stolen out of the city of Ontario in January 2022.
Thomas Barnett was arrested and booked at High Desert Detention Center. He is currently being held without bail on a parole violation.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy A. Schwingel, at Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station 760-552-6800. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or www.wetip.com.
Refer: Staci Parks
Station: Victor Valley
Phone No. (760) 552-6845
Case No. 072202095
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Victor Valley Sheriff's Department
11613 Bartlett Ave
Adelanto, CA 92301
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1