DATE: September 24, 2026, at 7:27 a.m.
INCIDENT: PC29800(A)(1): Felon in Possession of a Firearm
PC30305(A)(1): Felon in Possession of Ammunition
PC496(A): Possession of Stolen Property
LOCATION: 13700 Natoma Road, Apple Valley
SUSPECT: Romulo Benitez, 56 years old, resident of Apple Valley
SUMMARY:
On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at about 6:24 a.m., deputies from the Victor Valley Station responded to a safekeeping call in the 13700 block of Natoma Road in the unincorporated area of Apple Valley.
Upon arrival, deputies contacted the reporting party, who found multiple firearms inside a detached garage. The firearms were allegedly associated to a male subject who was later identified as Romulo Benitez. Benitez is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
During the investigation, deputies located nine firearms, including one reported stolen firearm, and a large quantity of ammunition. Benitez was not located at the time.
On Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 7:27 a.m., deputies located Benitez at the Barstow Superior Court. Benitez was arrested and transported to the High Desert Detention Center where he was booked on weapons related charges and possession of stolen property.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Victor Valley station at (760) 552-6800 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip by calling, or text the word “REPORT” to 844-909-3006 or visit https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites
Refer: Deputy L. McNally
Station: Victor Valley
Phone No. 760-552-6800
Case No. 072603024
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
