DATE/TIME: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 4:26 p.m.
INCIDENT: H&S 11395(b)(1) - Possession of a Controlled Substance With Two Prior Convictions
LOCATION: Cactus Drive / Desert Knoll Avenue, Twentynine Palms
SUSPECT(S): Aaron Michael Rice, 38-year-old, Resident of Twentynine Palms
VICTIM(S): State of California
SUMMARY: On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at approximately 4:26 p.m., Deputies from the Morongo Basin Station conducted a traffic stop on a gold 2009 Ford Fusion for a violation of CVC 4000(a)(1) - expired registration. During the stop, deputies identified the driver as 38-year-old Aaron Michael Rice of Twentynine Palms.
While conducting a records check on Rice, he was found to have an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest for H&S 11350(a) - Possession of a Controlled Substance. Rice was taken into custody for his warrant without incident.
During a search incident to Rice's arrest, deputies located a syringe and suspected methamphetamine on his person. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded a suspected methamphetamine pipe.
Rice was booked at the Morongo Basin Jail for his active warrant, H&S 11364(a), Possession of Narcotics Paraphernalia and H&S 11395(b)(1), Possession of Narcotics with Two or More Prior Convictions.
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 N. Arenas of the Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may submit a We-Tip at https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites or text “REPORT” to (844) 909-3006.
Refer: Deputies R. Maldonado | N. Arenas
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. (760) 366-4175
Case No. 202600615
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
