DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 17, 2025/ 12:11 p.m.
INCIDENT: CVC 2800.4 -Felony Evading a Peace Officer
PC 69 -Obstructing or Resisitng an Executive Officer
LOCATION: Twentynine Palms Highway and Joshua Lane, Yucca Valley, CA
SUSPECT(S): Michael Almanza, 36-year-old resident of Los Angeles
VICTIM(S): State of California
SUMMARY: On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at approximately 12:11 p.m., deputies from the Morongo Basin Sheriff's Station, in coordination with the Sheriff's Street Enforcement Team, were patrolling the Town of Yucca Valley. Deputies Daniel Vallejo and Raul Quiroz observed a black four-door Cadillac with expired registration, in violation of CVC 4000(a)(1), near the intersection of Twentynine Palms Highway and Joshua Lane.
When deputies attempted a traffic stop, the driver failed to yield. The vehicle fled eastbound on Twentynine Palms Highway, reaching speeds of approximately 70 mph and driving recklessly.
The pursuit continued into the area of Avalon Avenue and Paxton Road, where deputies successfully executed a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT maneuver), which disabled the suspect's vehicle. The driver exited the car and fled on foot into a nearby residential backyard. Deputies pursued the suspect, who became combative and actively resisted arrest. After a brief struggle, deputies managed to take the suspect into custody.
The driver was identified as Michael Almanza and was found to have several outstanding warrants from Los Angeles County. Almanza was arrested and booked at the Morongo Basin Jail for CVC 2800.4 -Evading a Peace Officer, PC 69 -Resisting an Executive Officer, and his active warrants.
Refer: Deputies Daniel Vallejo and Raul Quiroz
Station: Morongo Basin Sheriff's Station
Phone No. (909) 366-4175
Case No. 662500743
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
