DATE/TIME: May 28, 2024, 9:26 p.m.
INCIDENT: Attempted Murder, Lethal Force Encounter
LOCATION: Highway 62 / Mile Marker 56, Twentynine Palms
SUSPECT(S): Brent Phillip Soster, 43-year-old Resident of Twentynine Palms
VICTIM(S): San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputies
SUMMARY: On May 28, 2024, the Mohave County Arizona Sheriff’s Department made the Colorado River Station aware of an armed and dangerous murder suspect, Brent Soster, who was in the Needles area. Soster drove through the Needles area to leave Mojave County in Arizona. At approximately 9:26 p.m., deputies located Soster’s 2005 Dodge pickup truck on Highway 95, near mile marker 30. Soster fled from the traffic stop initiated by deputies, and a pursuit ensued towards Joshua Tree.
During the pursuit, on Highway 62, Soster threw a smoke grenade from his vehicle and began firing a gun at pursuing deputies. Sheriff’s Aviation Division joined the pursuit. Soster began firing at the helicopter and a lethal force encounter occurred. Pursuing deputies then apprehended Soster without further incident.
Soster was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of lacerations suffered during the incident. He was subsequently discharged from the hospital and booked at the West Valley Detention Center for attempted murder.
Detectives with the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. During a search of Soster’s vehicle, investigators recovered several firearms, a tactical ballistic vest, a gas mask, additional smoke grenades, and several rounds of ammunition.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Deputy Joshua Young, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Refer: Deputy Joshua Young or Sergeant Gerardo Moreno
Station: Specialized Investigations Division
Phone No. (909) 890-4904
Case No. DR#102400134 / H#2024-048
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
