DATE/TIME: Monday, November 18, 2024, at 1:29 p.m.
INCIDENT: PC 496: POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY
PURSUIT
SUSPECT(S): Michael Crummel, 40 years of age, resident of Hesperia
Ahtawna Palmer, 44 years of age, resident of Hesperia
SUMMARY: On November 18, 2024, Deputy L. Torres conducted a follow up investigation regarding a stolen trailer. After hours of investigation, Deputy Torres learned the trailer was taken to a dirt lot near the intersection of Helendale Road and Jasper Stone Road in the Helendale.
Investigators arrived at the location at approximately 3:40 p.m. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department's Aviation Division (40K) was able to identify the stolen trailer on the property. 40K saw a white male adult and white female adult get into a white Toyota Corolla and drive off the property. Deputies attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle and the driver, Michael Crummel, failed to stop. Crummel led deputies on a 55-mile pursuit with speeds reaching 115 mph.
Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Departments Barstow Station picked up the pursuit on Highway 58. Crummel drove on the wrong side of the 15 Freeway multiple times. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) took over the pursuit near the 15 Freeway south and D Street, in Victorville.
Crummel continued to drive on the wrong side of the 15 Freeway. CHP personnel intervened, preventing injury to other drivers on the freeway, and bringing the pursuit to an end. Crummel and his passenger, Ahtawna Palmer, were detained and medical aid was requested. Crummel and Palmer were transported to local hospitals.
A search warrant was authored for the Helendale property to recover the stolen trailer. Investigators recovered the trailer, along with an additional stolen truck and several firearms. Investigators also located several stolen license plates, and a printer used to print temporary California plates.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy L. Torres, at Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station, 760-552-6800. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Refer: Staci Parks
Station: Victor Valley
Phone No. (760) 552-6845
Case No. 522400032
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
