Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 8:00 a.m., until 6:00 p.m.

INCIDENT: Off-Highway Vehicle Enforcement Operation

LOCATION: Morongo Basin

SUMMARY: Collaborative Off-Highway Vehicle Enforcement Operation Leads to Multiple Arrests, Citations, and Stolen Vehicle Recoveries

Yucca Valley, CA — On Saturday, April 4, 2026, Corporal S. Ables of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Morongo Basin Station, coordinated a target-specific, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) enforcement operation in the Town of Yucca Valley and unincorporated areas of Morongo Valley and Joshua Tree. The operation was initiated in response to ongoing concerns raised by residents, local businesses, and active criminal investigations involving stolen OHV's.

The Morongo Basin Station’s OHV Team is made possible in part through the unrelenting support and partnership of the Town of Yucca Valley, whose investment continues to enhance OHV enforcement capabilities and improve public safety throughout the region.  The Station's collaborative effort brought together specialized OHV team members from across the county, including Victor Valley Station, Barstow Station, Central Station, and the Sheriff’s Transit Operations Division. Deputies were further supported by U.S. Rangers from the Bureau of Land Management.

During the operation, deputies made approximately 200 public contacts, emphasizing education, strict compliance, and enforcement of applicable laws. Enforcement activity included 21 warning citations and 20 citations for violations such as unregistered off-road vehicles operating on roadways, unlicensed drivers, driving on suspended licenses, and open container violations.  Deputies made six (6) arrests, including felony and misdemeanor offenses, to include possession of narcotics and driving under the influence. As a result of enforcement efforts, nine (9) vehicles were towed, including several illegally operated OHVs.  Additionally, six (6) stolen vehicles were recovered during the operation, contributing to a total of fourteen (14) stolen vehicle recoveries associated with this enforcement effort. Eight (8) additional stolen vehicles were located but could not be recovered due to challenging terrain.

This operation is a byproduct of law enforcement response and highlights the Department’s continued commitment to public safety, responsible recreation, and the protection of natural resources. Through coordinated enforcement, strong community partnerships, and interagency collaboration, deputies will continue proactive OHV enforcement efforts within the Morongo Valley to ensure compliance with state laws and reduce criminal activity.

Anyone with information related to illegal OHV activity is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Non-Emergency Line at (760) 956-5001.


Refer: Corporal S. Ables

Station: Morongo Basin Station

Phone No. (760) 366-4175

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