DATE/TIME: December 29, 2024, 10:41 a.m.
INCIDENT: Petty Theft with Two Previous Convictions
LOCATION: 7200 Block of 5th Street, Highland
SUSPECT(S): Jonathan Ayala, 32-year-old Male, Resident of Riverside
Christopher Woodrum, 34-year-old Male, Resident of Highland
VICTIM(S): State of California
SUMMARY: On November 5, 2024, California voters passed Proposition 36 titled “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.” The proposition took effect on December 18, 2024, and reforms multiple laws from Proposition 47, which have been responsible for increasing homelessness, drug addiction and theft. Proposition 36 includes several new Penal and Health and Safety Codes that deputies will be able to apply during arrests when appropriate. These new charges can carry enhanced sentencing, as well as prevent offenders from being cite released prior to their court appearance. The following is an arrest where Proposition 36 is applied:
On Sunday, December 29, 2024, at approximately 10:41 a.m., employees at a local grocery store reported to Sheriff's Dispatch a white male, identified as Christopher Woodrum, and a Hispanic male, identified as Johnathan Ayala, had stolen numerous items and exited the business, into the parking lot, and attempted to flee.
Woodrum and Ayala were detained without incident in the parking lot, and the stolen items were returned to the business. The business manager expressed a desire to pursue prosecution for the theft. A criminal records check revealed Woodrum and Ayala had more than two previous convictions for theft-related crimes. Consequently, both were arrested for the above charge and were booked at the Central Detention Center with bail set at $30,000.
Refer: Deputy M. Nishanian
Station: Highland
Phone No. (909) 425-9793
Case No. 132404754
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
