DATE/TIME: Sunday, December 22, 2024 - 7:33 a.m.
INCIDENT: PC245(a)(1) - Assault with a Deadly Weapon, PC 273.5(a) - Domestic Violence
LOCATION: Moonlight Mesa Road / Sunset Road, Joshua Tree
SUSPECT(S): Michael James McElroy, 40-year-old resident of Yucca Valley
VICTIM(S): Confidential Adult Female
SUMMARY: On Sunday, December 22, 2024, at approximately 7:33 a.m., deputies assigned to the Morongo Basin Sheriff's Station were dispatched to a 9-1-1 call near the intersection of Moonlight Mesa Road and Sunset Road in Joshua Tree. The initial information provided to 9-1-1 indicated that a male suspect with a warrant had thrown a knife at the victim's face and possibly fled to a nearby location.
Upon arrival, deputies contacted the female victim near the intersection, who had sustained a minor laceration to her upper lip. During the investigation, deputies learned that the victim's ex-boyfriend, Michael McElroy, had thrown a knife at her during an argument, striking her face with the blade. The victim was treated at the scene by emergency medical personnel from the San Bernardino County Fire Department. McElroy was found hiding under a nearby vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
McElroy was placed under arrest for assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence, and an outstanding pre-complaint (Ramey) arrest warrant for a prior domestic violence incident involving the same victim. He was booked at the Morongo Basin Jail and later transported to the West Valley Detention Center, where he is being held in lieu of $175,000 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 T. Harlacker
Station: SBCSD Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. 760-366-4175
Case No. 092402074
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
