DATE/TIME: September 23, 2023 / 12:33 p.m.
INCIDENT: Vehicle Pursuit / Weapons / Narcotics
LOCATION: SR-62 (Twentynine Palms Highway) / Pinon Drive, Yucca Valley
SUSPECT(S): Israel Hernandez Jr., 35-year-old resident of Desert Hot Springs
VICTIM(S): People of the State of California
SUMMARY: On Saturday, September 23, 2023, Deputy J. Bradley attempted a traffic stop on a Honda Accord for vehicle code violations, near the intersection of SR-62 (Twentynine Palms Highway) and Pinon Drive. The driver of the Honda, Israel Hernandez Jr., failed to yield and led deputies on a pursuit into neighboring Riverside County.
During the pursuit, Hernandez made several dangerous moving violations, including speeding, unsafe turns, and driving into oncoming traffic. Due to the extreme danger of Hernandez's actions, deputies discontinued the pursuit and contacted neighboring agencies for assistance. The Honda was located moments later by the Desert Hot Springs Police Department after it crashed into a power pole. Hernandez fled on foot into a nearby field. Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and Riverside County Sheriff's Department, along with officers from the Desert Hot Springs Police Department and the California Highway Patrol, worked together to contain Hernandez and took him into custody a short time later.
Hernandez was found in possesion of a loaded AR-15 rifle and two loaded handguns, including an unserialized home-built pistol, commonly known as a 'ghost gun'. In addition to the firearms, Hernandez was found in possession of methamphetamine and over an ounce of fentanyl. Hernandez was booked at West Valley Detention Center and is currently being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
If you have any information related to this investigation, please contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME.
Refer: Deputy J. Bradley / Detective S. Crowl
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. 760-366-4175
Case No. 232301648
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
