DATE/TIME: Saturday, April 26, 2025/ 3:47 p.m.
INCIDENT: PC 666.1(a)(1) - Petty Theft with Two Convictions
LOCATION: 6485 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
SUSPECT(S): Joey Baca, 49-year-old Male, Resident of Twentynine Palms
VICTIM(S): Cold Stone Creamery
SUMMARY: On November 5, 2024, California voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36 titled “The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.” Proposition 36 took effect on December 18, 2024, and reforms multiple laws from Proposition 47, which have been responsible for the increase in homelessness, drug addiction and thefts. Proposition 36 includes several new Penal and Health and Safety Codes that deputies will be able to enforce 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 was applied:
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, at about 3:47 p.m., deputies from the Morongo Basin Station responded to a theft report at Cold Stone Creamery, in Twentynine Palms. Store staff reported a large stuffed teddy bear, which served as the store's mascot, had been stolen from the lobby.
The staff followed the suspect out of the store, recovered the teddy bear, and returned it to the store before contacting the Sheriff's Department. Deputies conducted an investigation and identified the suspect as 49-year-old Joey Baca. Baca was located nearby and arrested for the theft.
Baca was arrested for PC666.1(a)(1)—Petty Theft with Two or More Theft Convictions and transported to the West Valley Detention Center for booking.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Morongo Basin Station, at (760) 366-4175. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or submit information online at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Deputy Tyler Harlacker
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. 760-366-4175
Case No. 202500536
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
