DATE/TIME: August 16, 2026, 7:50 p.m.
INCIDENT: VC 23152(a) – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
LOCATION: Rancherias Road / Thunderbird Road, Apple Valley
SUSPECT: Joel Artero-Garcia, 48-year-old, Resident of Victorville
SUMMARY:
On Sunday, August 16, 2026, at approximately 7:37 p.m., deputies with the Apple Valley Station were notified of a male in a vehicle near the intersection of Rancherias Road and Thunderbird Road, drinking an alcoholic beverage.
Deputies responded to the area and located Joel Artero-Garcia. Deputies conducted an investigation, to include Artero-Garcia seen by witnesses consuming an alcoholic beverage while in control of his vehicle. Deputies administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). Artero-Garcia was detained without incident and transported to the High Desert Detention Center, where he was booked for VC 23152(b), Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. Artero-Garcia was also booked for two outstanding warrants for driving under the influence of alcohol.Artero-Garcia is being held in lieu of $125,000 bail.
With the recent increase in traffic collisions in the community, the Apple Valley Station wants to remind residents of the importance of reporting suspected impaired drivers. If you observe someone who appears to be driving under the influence, safely report it to law enforcement. Your call could help prevent a serious collision and potentially save a life.
The Apple Valley Station appreciates the vigilance of the witness who reported this incident and helped keep our community safe.
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. 182604932
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino Sheriff-Coroner Department
