Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Sunday, January 14, 2024, 5:10 a.m.

INCIDENT: Attempted Murder, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Burglary

LOCATION: 2100 block of Grand Avenue, Chino Hills

SUSPECT(S): Mystic Winston, 24-years of age, resident of Los Angeles, California
                        Jerdale Ruth, 21-years of age, resident of Los Angeles, California.
                        Romel Strahan, 18-years of age, resident of Los Angeles, California 

VICTIM(S): Confidential


SUMMARY: On January 14, 2024, at about 5:10 a.m., Mystic Winston, Jerdale Ruth, and Romel Strahan conspired and worked in concert to burglarize a pharmacy. The location was monitored remotely by a security company. A representative of the security company notified the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and Chino Hills Station deputies were dispatched to the burglary in-progress.

At about 5:12 a.m., deputies arrived at the incident location and attempted to take the suspects into custody. All three suspects fled on foot. Ruth threw a 42-inch metal wrecking bar at a deputy narrowly missing the deputy’s head. Ruth was apprehended after a short pursuit on foot. Strahan initially evaded capture. Assistance from the Chino Police Department, Sheriff's K-9 detail, Sheriff's helicopter, and deputies from surrounding stations was requested. A perimeter was established, and Strahan was captured hours later.  

Winston ran to their vehicle which was later found to be a reported stolen vehicle out of Georgia. A deputy struggled with Winston to prevent him from fleeing in the vehicle. While the deputy was at the driver’s door, with the door open, Winston started the vehicle and placed the vehicle in different gears. Winston collided into a parked patrol vehicle. Winston shifted the vehicle into drive and dragged the deputy for about 30-feet. The deputy lost his grip and fell to the pavement with Winston almost running over the deputy. Deputies pursued Winston until he lost control of the vehicle on the westbound lanes of the 60 Freeway, near Rowland Heights. Winston fled from the inoperable vehicle and deputies chased him on foot. Winston continued to resist apprehension, but the deputies successfully took him into custody. 

Deputies searched Winston’s vehicle and located a safe and pharmaceuticals which are suspected to have been stolen from an unrelated burglary. Deputies are actively attempting to identify the victim(s). 

All three suspects were booked at the West Valley Detention Center for various charges. The primary booking charges were as follows: 
Winston, Attempted Murder – PC664/187(a).
Ruth, Assault with a Deadly Weapon – PC 245(a)(1).
Strahan, Burglary – PC 459.   

Anyone with information regarding this incident or other potential victims is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.  

Refer: Detectives Steve Kessler and Michael Schlegel

Station: Chino Hills Police Station

Phone No. 909-463-2061 / 909-463-2063

Case No. 222400139

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department