Deputies Conduct Traffic Stop in Yucca Valley and Arrest Man for Possession of Drugs 
DATE/TIME: February 11, 2025, at approximately 2:11 a.m.
INCIDENT: Possession of Dangerous Drugs with Two Prior Convictions
LOCATION: Vin Rose Lane and Yellowknife Road, Yucca Valley
SUSPECT(S): Justin Channell, 39-year-old resident of Yucca Valley
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 Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at approximately 2:11 a.m., deputies from the Morongo Basin Sheriff's Station conducted a traffic stop on a black Range Rover for California Vehicle Code violations.
The driver of the vehicle yielded near Vin Rose Lane and Yellowknife Road. Through investigation, the passenger, later identified as Justin Channell, was found to be released from jail on pre-trial release. Channell was also found to be in possession of approximately 40 grams of suspected methamphetamine. A criminal history records check of Channell revealed he had at least two prior convictions for possession of dangerous drugs.
Channell was arrested and booked under Health and Saftey Code 11395(B)(1).
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy C. Ranslem of the Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Callers wishing to stay anonymous are encouraged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com
Refer: Deputy C. Ranslem
Station: Morongo Basin
Phone No. 760-366-4175
Case No. 092500226
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Morongo Basin Sheriff's Department
63665 Twentynine Palms Highway
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1