Full Notification

DATE: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 

INCIDENT: P.C 487(a)-Grand Theft, P.C 496d(a)-Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, V.C 10801-Operating a Chop Shop, V.C 10851(a)-Vehicle Theft.  

LOCATION: 6900 Block of Tippecanoe Avenue, San Bernardino. 

SUSPECT(S): Salvador Gonzalez, 29-year-old, resident of Whittier 

VICTIM(S): CONFIDENTIAL


SUMMARY: On Sunday, April 21, 2024, deputies assigned to Sheriff's Central Station responded to the 24500 block of Stewart Street in the city of Loma Linda, reference a grand theft report. Deputies contacted the victim whose 2019 Toyota Tacoma tailgate was stolen. Utilizing investigative techniques, deputies identified a red Nissan Sentra as the vehicle used to commit the theft. Deputies located the Nissan Sentra during an area check and contacted an involved party to the theft. Later, Salvador Gonzalez was identified as the main suspect. Deputies learned Gonzalez dropped off the stolen tailgate at a residence in the 6900 Block of Tippecanoe Avenue in the unincorporated area of San Bernardino. 

Through further investigation, detectives learned the Tippecanoe address was the home of a probationer. On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Central Station's Multiple Enforcement Team (MET) and detective bureau conducted a probation search at the Tippecanoe address. During the search, 13 tailgates from Toyota, Chevrolet, and GMC trucks were located. In addition, five stolen vehicles were located and found to be associated with the Tippecanoe address. Investigators from the San Bernardino County Auto Theft Task Force arrived on scene and assumed the investigation.

Salvador Gonzalez was arrested for PC 496d(a)- Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, CVC 10801- Operating a Chop Shop and CVC 10851(a)- Vehicle Theft. Gonzalez was booked into the Central Detention Center where he was held on $40,000.00 bail. Gonzalez subsequently posted bail and was released from custody. 

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or who may be a victim is urged to contact Central Station at (909) 387-3545. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.


Refer: Deputy J. Leatherman and Deputy D. Price

Station: Central Station

Phone No. (909) 387-3545 or (909) 805-4623

Case No. 152400696 and 672400165

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