DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 1:57 a.m.
INCIDENT: Arson / Felon in Possession of Ammunition / Conspiracy to Commit a Crime / Violation of Probation
LOCATION: 73000 Block of Valle Vista Road, Twentynine Palms
SUSPECT(S): Randall Atherley, 50-year-old Male, Resident of Twentynine Palms
VICTIM(S): Confidential Victim / State of California
SUMMARY: On June 11, 2025, deputies from the Morongo Basin Station responded to reports of a recreational vehicle (RV) fully engulfed in flames in the 73000 block of Valle Vista Road in Twentynine Palms. Upon arrival, deputies observed a pick-up truck fleeing the area at a high rate of speed.
Deputies coordinated emergency response efforts and determined that no one was inside the RV at the time of the fire. Simultaneously, deputies pursued the fleeing vehicle, which led them to the 72000 block of Homestead Drive in Twentynine Palms. The driver, later identified as Twentynine Palms resident Randall Atherley, exited his truck and attempted to further evade arrest by entering his residence. Deputies quickly secured the area and took Atherley into custody without further incident.
Detectives from the Morongo Basin Station, with assistance from the Sheriff's Arson and Bomb Detail, assumed control of the investigation. A search warrant was executed at Atherley's residence, where investigators located items indicative of arson, as well as live ammunition.
Atherley is a convicted felon currently on felony probation. As a result, he is prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. Atherley was arrested and booked at the West Valley Detention Center on the following felony charges:
PC 451(b): Arson of an Inhabited Structure, PC 30305(a)(1): Felon in Possession of Ammunition, PC 182(a)(2): Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, and PC 1203.2(a)(1): Violation of Probation. Atherley is currently being held in Sheriff's custody without bail.
Public Assistance is Requested - Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or submit information online at www.weti
Refer: Detective D. Rodriguez
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. (760) 366-4175
Case No. 202500781
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
