Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

INCIDENT: Off-Highway Vehicle Enforcement Operation

LOCATION: City of Twentynine Palms

SUMMARY:
On Saturday, April 25, 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 City of Twentynine Palms and surrounding unincorporated areas. The operation was initiated in direct response to ongoing concerns from residents, local businesses, and active investigations involving stolen OHVs.

The Morongo Basin Station’s OHV Team is made possible through strong collaboration and continued support from the City of Twentynine Palms, whose investment directly strengthens enforcement capabilities and enhances public safety. This coordinated operation brought together specialized resources from across the county, including personnel from Yucaipa Station, Barstow Station, the Gangs and Narcotics Division, Sheriff’s Aviation, and the Sheriff’s Transit Operations Division. Deputies were further supported by U.S. Rangers from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

During the operation, deputies made approximately 180 public contacts, emphasizing education, compliance, and enforcement of applicable laws. Enforcement actions included nearly 30 total citations for violations such as unregistered OHVs, operating on roadways, unlicensed/suspended licenses, and expired registrations. Deputies made six (6) arrests for felony and misdemeanor offenses, including narcotics possession, driving under the influence, and outstanding warrants.

In addition, seven (7) vehicles were towed, including illegally operated OHVs.  In a related enforcement action, BLM Rangers assigned to the operation located a vehicle where a subject was illegally shooting in the desert.  The subject was found in possession of 18 firearms, many of which were either reported stolen or had altered/obliterated serial numbers. The suspect, a convicted felon, was arrested.  This arrest led to the service of a search warrant at his residence in Fontana, where additional firearms and illegal firearm manufacturing equipment were recovered.

This operation underscores the Department’s commitment to leveraging current technology, intelligence-led policing, and strong interagency partnerships to combat crime. Through proactive enforcement, advanced investigative tools, and continued collaboration with community stakeholders, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department remains dedicated to ensuring responsible recreation, protecting natural resources, and enhancing public safety throughout the Morongo Basin.  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