Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 13, 2026, 12:05 p.m.

INCIDENT: PC 626.10 - Bringing Weapons Onto School Property

LOCATION: 74300 block of Playa Vista Drive, Twentynine Palms

SUSPECT(S): Robert Rosado, 29-year-old male, resident of Twentynine Palms

VICTIM(S): Morongo Unified School District, Confidential Juveniles



SUMMARY: Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Technology Used to Locate Twentynine Palms Man After Entering School Campuses Wearing Tactical Gear and Firearm

Twentynine Palms, Calif. – On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at approximately 1:41 p.m., a concerned parent contacted Morongo Basin Station’s School Resource Officer (SRO), Deputy A. Stumbo, after observing a man putting on tactical gear while on the campus of Twentynine Palms Elementary School.  SRO Deputies A. Stumbo and J. Carbajal, along with Deputy E. Sanchez-Perez, immediately initiated their investigation and reviewed school surveillance video.  Deputies identified the man as 29-year-old Robert Rosado, a resident of Twentynine Palms. 

Rosado was observed wearing a tactical-style ballistic vest, a law enforcement duty belt, baton, pepper spray, and a firearm. Through further investigation, deputies also determined on August 11th, Rosado was on campus at both Twentynine Palms Junior High School and Twentynine Palms Elementary School wearing the same equipment.

Deputies coordinated with the Morongo Basin Station Detective Bureau and school officials to identify Rosado’s residence and associated vehicles.  Detectives authored a search warrant for Rosado’s Twentynine Palms residence and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On Thursday, August 13, 2026, at approximately 12:05 p.m., prior to serving the search warrant, deputies were notified Rosado returned to Twentynine Palms Junior High School and attempted to enter the campus while wearing similar tactical gear while armed.  School staff refused access, immediately notified deputies, and placed the school on lockdown as a precaution to protect students and staff.  Rosado left the area in a minivan.

Deputies immediately utilized ALPR technology to assist in identifying Rosado’s vehicle and determining a possible route of travel.  ALPR technology was effectively utilized and Rosado's vehicle was tracked to the area near the school.  Morongo Basin Station deputies and detectives located his vehicle and conducted a high-risk traffic stop, where Rosado was detained.

A search of Rosado’s vehicle resulted in the seizure of numerous items consistent with the impersonation of a law enforcement officer.  These items included a load-bearing vest equipped with an attached body-worn camera, baton, pepper spray, handcuffs, a taser, badge, and a less-lethal firearm.

Deputies also served the search warrant at Rosado’s residence, where they discovered three juveniles residing in the home with Rosado’s girlfriend. During the search, deputies found the residence to be in extremely unsanitary and deplorable condition, with significant amounts of dirt, debris, and accumulated filth throughout the home. 

Deputies also observed a substantial and widespread insect infestation, with bugs present throughout the residence, creating an unsafe and unhealthy living environment for the juveniles.  Due to the severity of the conditions observed, Child and Family Services social workers responded to assist with the investigation, and a willful child endangerment investigation was initiated.

Rosado was arrested and booked into the Morongo Basin Jail for violation of California Penal Code section 626.10, Possession of Weapons on School Property.

The safety and security of students, staff, and the school community remain the highest priority for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the Morongo Unified School District.  When circumstances arise that may pose a potential threat to a school campus, deputies and school officials will take immediate and appropriate precautions, including implementing a lockdown when necessary.  These measures are intended to protect students and staff while allowing law enforcement to quickly assess and address any potential threat.  The Sheriff’s Department and school district remain committed to maintaining a safe learning environment and will continue to work closely together to ensure the safety of the school community and the public.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department 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 J. Carbajal | A. Stumbo

Station: Morongo Basin Station

Phone No. (760) 366-4175 

Case No. 232601276

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