DATE/TIME: February 14, 2025, at approximately 9:15 p.m.
INCIDENT: Health and Safety Code 11395(b)(1): Possession of A Controlle dSubstance with Two Prior Convictions
LOCATION: Reche Road and Cambria Avenue, Landers
SUSPECT(S): Steven Dale, 63-year-old resident of Hemet
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 Friday, February 14, 2025, at approximately 9:15 pm, deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Morongo Basin Station, conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Reche Road and Cambria Avenue in Landers after observing a gray Dodge Charger travelling west on Reche Road with several observable California Vehicle Code (CVC) violations. During the traffic stop, deputies observed a methamphetamine pipe in plain view on the front passenger seat floorboard. The driver, identified as Steven Wade Dale from Hemet, was discovered to be driving on a suspended driver's license.
During a search, a clear plastic baggie containing suspected methamphetamine was in Dale's front right coat pocket. An additional baggie containing suspected methamphetamine was located inside the vehicle. Dale was detained for HS 11377(a), Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Through further investigation, it was discovered Dale had a prior conviction for HS 11377(a), Possession of a Controlled Substance, and HS 11379(a), Transportation of a Controlled Substance. Dale was subsequently arrested for HS 11395(b)(1), Possession of a Controlled Substance with Two Prior Convictions, a felony, under California's new Proposition 36 criteria.
Refer: Deputy O. Zavala
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. (760) 366-4175
Case No. 092500244
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
