DATE/TIME: July 31, 2025, at approximately 2:53 a.m.
INCIDENT: Possession of Dangerous Drugs with Two Prior Convictions
Driving on a Suspended Driver's License
LOCATION: Sunevers Road and Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree
SUSPECT(S): Steven Poe, 60-year-old resident of Morongo 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 Thursday, July 31, 2025, at approximately 2:47 a.m., Deputy L. Gonzalez was dispatched to the area of Lear Avenue and Twentynine Palms Highway in reference to a report of a reckless driver in a white Toyota Tacoma. Gonzalez located the vehicle and initiated an investigative stop at Sunevers Road and Twentynine Palms Highway. The driver was identified as Steven Poe. A records check revealed Poe was driving on a suspended driver's license. Poe was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine. During a check of Poe's vehicle, additonal suspected methamphetamine was located. A criminal history records check of Poe revealed he had at least two prior convictions for possession of dangerous drugs.
Poe was arrested in accordance with Health and Safety Code 11395(b)(1)-Possession of a controlled substance with two priors and California Vehicle Code 14601.1(a)-Driving on a suspended driver's license. Poe was booked into the Morongo Basin jail.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy L. Gonzalez 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 L.Gonzalez
Station: Morongo Basin
Phone No. 760-366-4175
Case No. 092501116
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
