DATE/TIME: March 12, 2026 / 12:26 A.M.
INCIDENT: HS 11395 (B)(1)- Possession of a Controlled Substance with 2+ Priors
HS 11364(A)- Possession of Unlawful Paraphernalia
HS 11377(A)- Possession of a Controlled Substance
LOCATION: Hellman Avenue / Foothill Boulevard, Rancho Cucamonga
SUSPECT(S): Mark Joseph Velarde, 47-year-old, Transient of Rancho Cucamonga
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 6 is applied:
On March 12, 2026, at approximately 12:26 A.M., deputies were proactively patrolling the area of Hellman Avenue and Foothill Boulevard, when they contacted Mark Joseph Velarde. Velarde was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine. He had prior convictions for drug related offenses of H&S 11395(B)(1)- Possession of a Controlled Substance with Priors.
He was arrested and booked at the West Valley Detention Center for HS11395(B)(1)- Possession of Narcotics/Paraphernalia with Two Prior Convictions, HS11364(A)- Possession of Unlawful Paraphernalia, and HS11377(A)-Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Rancho Cucamonga Sheriff's Station at (909) 477-2800. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Deputy K. Leese
Station: Rancho Cucamonga
Phone No: (909)477-2800
Case No.112602791
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
