DATE/TIME: August 14, 2026, 3:47 a.m.
INCIDENT: Pursuit Arrest
LOCATION: Bear Valley Road / Deep Creek Road, Apple Valley
SUSPECT: Joseph Thomas, 46-years-old, Resident of Apple Valley
SUMMARY:
On Friday, August 14, 2026, at about 3:47 a.m., deputies responded to the area of Bear Valley Road and Deep Creek Road regarding a male who appeared to be experiencing a medical emergency inside a vehicle. Deputies arrived and initiated a traffic stop.
The driver, later identified as Joseph Thomas, drove away from the scene at a high rate of speed, resulting in a pursuit. Thomas eventually stopped the vehicle in a business parking lot near the intersection of Bear Valley Road and Reata Road, where he was detained.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies located ammunition and suspected methamphetamine. Thomas is prohibited from possessing ammunition and was also determined to be under the influence of alcohol.
Thomas was transported to the High Desert Detention Center and booked for PC 30305(a)(1) – Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition, HS 11377(a) – Possession of a Controlled Substance, VC 23152(b) – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, and VC 2800.1(a) – Evading a Peace Officer. Thomas is being held in lieu of $40,000 bail.
Anyone with any information about this investigation is asked to contact the Apple Valley Police Station at (760) 240-7400 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip Hotline at 844-909-3006, text REPORT to 844-909-3006, or provide information at the link: https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites
Refer: Taylor Reynolds
Station: Apple Valley
Phone No: (760) 240-7428
Case No. 182604865
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino Sheriff-Coroner Department
