DATE/TIME: May 31, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
INCIDENT: PC 496(a): POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY
VC 10801: OPERATING A CHOP SHOP
LOCATION: 29100 block of Clark Road, Lucerne Valley
SUSPECT(S): Justin Bates, 31 years-old, resident of Lucerne Valley
SUMMARY: On Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at approximately 10:00 a.m., detectives and deputies from the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station served a search warrant in the 29100 block of Clark Road, in Lucerne Valley. Big Bear Sheriff’s Station deputies and detectives, detectives from San Bernardino County Auto Theft Task Force (SANCATT), and San Bernardino County Probation Officers responded and assisted with serving the warrant. During the warrant service, stolen vehicles, construction equipment, solar batteries, and an extensive number of tools from the Apple Valley, Lucerne Valley and Big Bear areas were recovered. The total value of stolen property recovered was estimated to be $120,000.00.
The suspect, Justin Bates of Lucerne Valley, was arrested and booked at High Desert Detention Center for possession of stolen property and operating a chop shop.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Deputy A. Schwingel at Victor Valley Station/ Lucerne Valley Sub-Station, at (760) 248-7655 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Staci Parks
Station: Victor Valley Station
Phone No. (760) 552-6800
Case No. 072301860
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
