Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Monday, August 31, 2026 at 4:53 p.m.,

INCIDENT: Penal Code 496d(a) - Possession of Stolen Property
PC 290(G)(2) - Violation of Sex Registrant Requirements

LOCATION: Cactus Drive / National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 

SUSPECT(S): Tom Mock, 34-year-old, Resident of Joshua Tree, CA

VICTIM(S): Confidential, State of California


SUMMARY: Automated License Plate Reader System Enables Rapid Identification of Stolen Trailer, Location, and Arrest of Joshua Tree Sex Offender

Twentynine Palms, CA – On Monday, August 31, 2026, at approximately 4:53 p.m., deputies assigned to the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station received an alert from the Department’s Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system.  The ALPR identified a reported stolen trailer in-tow by a white utility truck entering the City of Twentynine Palms.  Shortly after the initial alert, four additional ALPR notifications revealed the stolen silver, 2021 trailer, was traveling eastbound on Twentynine Palms Highway.   

Deputies Eduardo Hernandez and Nathen Arenas responded to the area and utilized information provided by the ALPR system to monitor the trailer’s direction of travel. Using the information provided by the system, deputies located the stolen trailer near Cactus Drive and National Park Drive.  Deputies conducted a traffic stop and took the driver, who was the sole occupant, into custody.  The driver was identified as 34-year-old, Joshua Tree resident Tom Mock.  Mock was taken into custody without incident, and deputies successfully recovered the stolen trailer, allowing it to be returned to its rightful owner.

Mock was arrested for California Penal Code section 496d(a), possession of stolen property.  Furthermore, deputies determined Mock is a registered sex offender who is not in compliance with mandated registration requirements. He was booked into the Morongo Basin Jail and is being held in lieu of $30,000 bail.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department reiterates that public safety is the Department's number one priority.  The use of modern day technology, including Automated License Plate Reader camera systems, has proven to be extremely valuable and assists deputies in solving crimes in an expedient manner.  This investigation highlights the effectiveness of combining traditional law enforcement techniques with modern public safety technology to enhance community safety and quality of life, hold offenders accountable, and provide timely justice and closure for victims.
 

Refer: Deputies E. Hernandez | N. Arenas

Station: Morongo Basin Station

Phone No. (760) 366-4175

Case No. 202601269

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