DATE/TIME: Tuesday, December 31, 2024 / 9:22 a.m.
INCIDENT: HS 11395 – Possession of Narcotics with Previous Conviction
LOCATION: Kiowa Road & Bear Valley Road, Apple Valley
SUSPECT(S): John Joseph Martinez, 51-year-old male of Apple Valley
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 Tuesday, December 31, 2024, Deputy K. Watson contacted John Joseph Martinez in the area of Kiowa Road and Bear Valley Road in the town of Apple Valley. During the contact, Martinez handed Deputy Watson illegal narcotics which he had in his sock.
Martinez was arrested and booked into High Desert Detention Center on charges of possession of narcotics with previous conviction. Martinez was also found to be on post release community supervision, for which a warrant was issued. Martinez is currently being held without bail.
Anyone with any information about this investigation is asked to contact Deputy K. Watson with Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 240-7400 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave the information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Pamela Hoffman
Station: Apple Valley
Phone No: (760) 240-7428
Case No. 182406557
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
