DATE/TIME: Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 1:51 pm
INCIDENT: VC10801(A): OPERATING CHOP SHOP
PC496D(A): POSSESSION OF A STOLEN VEHICLE
VC10851(A): VEHICLE THEFT
PC23920(B): POSSESSION OF UNSERIALIZED FIREARM
PC666.1(A): THEFT WITH PRIOR CONVICTIONS
LOCATION: 11200 block of Hesperia Road, Hesperia
SUSPECT 1: Efran Sanchez, age 68, resident of Hesperia
SUSPECT 2: Juan Sanchez Mendoza, age 45, resident of Hesperia
SUSPECT 3: Ricardo Salazar Sanchez, age 55, resident of Hesperia
SUMMARY:
On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, investigators from the Rural Crimes Task Force conducted a follow up investigation and located a stolen vehicle at a mechanical shop near the 11200 block of Hesperia Road, Hesperia.
A search warrant was authored and served at the business. During the search, suspect Efran Sanchez was found hiding in inside the shop. A stolen vehicle was located inside the shop in various stages of disassembly.
Due to the size of the shop and the number of other vehicles, SANCATT (San Bernardino County Auto Theft Task Force) responded and identified several additional stolen vehicles and vehicle parts. Investigators also located an unserialized polymer 80 pistol.
Efren Sanchez was booked for vehicle theft and possession of a stolen vehicle. Juan Sanchez Mendoza was booked for operating a chop shop, possession of a stolen vehicle, and petty theft with two priors. Ricardo Sanchez was booked for possession of a stolen vehicle and weapons charges.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Victor Valley Station at (760) 552-6800 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Sergeant J. Necochea
Station: Victor Valley
Phone No. 760-552-6800
Case No. 522500046/192504871
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
