Full Notification

DATE/TIME: January 27, 2026, 10:00 p.m.

INCIDENT: Big Bear Lake Man Arrested for String of Thefts in Big Bear

LOCATION: 42100 Block of Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake 

SUSPECT(S): Martin Lucero, 29-year-old, Resident of Big Bear Lake 

VICTIM(S): Confidential


SUMMARY: On January 27, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., a male and female subject were seen entering a local grocery store. The female made a separate purchase and exited the store with her two young children. The male subject filled a cart with groceries worth an estimated $200 and exited the store without paying for the items. The male loaded the stolen groceries into their vehicle and fled westbound on Big Bear Blvd.

On January 28, 2026, at approximately 10:30 a.m., deputies reviewed the grocery store's surveillance footage and identified the male subject as Martin Lucero. Deputies also identified Lucero as the suspect in a prior residential package theft incident.

On Jaunary 28, 2026, Deputies authored a search warrant for Lucero's residence, which was approved and served at approximately 3:00 p.m. Deputies recovered the stolen groceries, several stolen packages, and a laptop computer that had been reported stolen. Deputies also recovered several purses, clothing items, jewelry, and tools that are also suspected to be stolen property.

While serving the search warrant, deputies discovered a glass pipe with suspected methamphetamine residue, and a loaded handgun inside Lucero's residence, kept within reach of his two young children. Upon further investigation, deputies learned that Lucero is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.

Lucero was arrested and charged with burglary, possession of stolen property, felon in possession of a firearm, child endangerment, petty theft, theft with prior convictions, and possession of a controlled substance. Lucero was booked into custody at the Big Bear Jail.

Lucero was arraigned on January 30, 2026 at 8:00 a.m., at the San Bernardino County Superior Court and is currently being held on $80,000 bail at the West Valley Detention Center. 
 
Deputies are asking anyone who believes they may be a victim associated with this case or anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact Deputy Kozyr at the Big Bear Sheriff Station at (909) 866-0100. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME(27463) or you may leave information on the website at www.wetip.com.


Refer: Deputy J. Kozyr

Station: Big Bear Station

Phone No. (909) 866-0100

Case No. 162600105

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department