DATE/TIME: December 17, 2025, at approximately 3:39 p.m.
INCIDENT: Possession of a Controlled Substance while Armed, Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Committing a Felony While Out on Bail
LOCATION: Twentynine Palms Highway / Kickapoo Trail, Town of Yucca Valley
SUSPECT(S): James Gagnon, 47-year-old, Resident of the Town of Yucca Valley
VICTIM(S): State of California
SUMMARY: On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Yucca Valley Traffic Deputy, R. Quiroz conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for California Vehicle Code violations. During the stop, the driver was identified as James Gagnon, who was determined to be out on bail for possession of a controlled substance while armed.
During the investigation, Gagnon was found to be in possession of a “Ghost” firearm with an extended magazine, ammunition, an AR-15-style “Ghost” rifle, an electronic vehicle key-cloning device, and suspected methamphetamine.
Based on the information obtained during the traffic stop, detectives and deputies from the Morongo Basin Station continued their investigation into Gagnon. Investigators served a search warrant at Gagnon’s residence and located several rounds of ammunition, rifle magazines, suspected controlled substances, and suspected explosive materials. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Bomb and Arson Detail responded to the residence and recovered the suspected explosive materials.
Gagnon is currently being held at the West Valley Detention Center without bail.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact Deputy R. Quiroz or Detective Tyler A. Bengard at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Morongo Basin Station, at (760) 366-4175. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME.
Refer: Deputy R. Quiroz and Detective T. Bengard
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. 760-366-4175
Case No. 232502022
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
