DATE/TIME: March 16, 2026, at approximately 00:31 a.m.
INCIDENT: Possession of Dangerous Drugs with Two Prior Convictions & Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
LOCATION: Indio Avenue at Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley
SUSPECT(S): Brien Kelber, 55-year-old male, resident of Morongo Valley
VICTIM(S): State of California
SUMMARY:
On March 16, 2026, while conducting proactive patrol in the Town of Yucca Valley, Deputy L. Gonzalez of the Morongo Basin Station initiated a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle near the intersection of Indio Avenue and Twentynine Palms Highway. The stop was conducted as a result of miscellaneous vehicle code violations.
Upon contact with the driver, identified as 55-year-old Morongo Valley resident, Brien Kelber, Deputy Gonzalez conducted a records check. Gonzalez' record check revealed Kelber had three active warrants for his arrest.
During a search of Kelber's vehicle, Gonzalez located multiple bags of suspected methamphetamine, heroin, psylocibin mushrooms, unidentified pills and drug paraphernalia. A criminal history on Kelber revealed Kelber had two or more prior convictions for Health and Safety Code violations. As a result, and pursuant to Proposition 36, Kelber was arrested for Health and Safety Code §11395(b)(1) - Possession of a Controlled Substance with Prior Convictions, Health and Safety Code §11364(a) - Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, including his three outstanding warrants. Kelber was booked at the Morongo Basin Jail.
On November 5, 2024, California voters overwhelmingly 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 the increase in homelessness, recidivism, drug addiction and theft-related offenses. 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.
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. 232600445
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
