DATE: October 16, 2026, at 10:25 p.m.
INCIDENT: Marijuana Cultivation / Theft of Utilities
LOCATION: 27000 Block of Church Ave, Barstow
SUSPECT(S): Jose Luis Baez Burgos, 36-years-old, Resident of Mexico
VICTIM(S): Southern California Edison
SUMMARY: At about 10:25 p.m., Barstow Station deputies responded to a report of suspicious circumstances involving a male operating a lift while working on a power line without any visible warning lights or traffic cones.
Upon arrival, the deputy found the truck and lift parked at the above location and made contact with Jose Luis Baez Burgos. During the investigation, deputies found freshly cut wire and what appeared to be an electrical bypass from a power line on Church Street, that was routed to the incident location. Deputies checked the vacant residence and saw fertilizer, air conditioning systems, lights and power lines routed to each room, which was consistent with a marijuana cultivation operation.
A tampered electrical panel was also found. Powerlines from inside the house, routed through the wall and led to a detached garage. There was a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the garage.
The marijuana enforcement team was contacted and responded. A search warrant was served at the residence where approximately 365 marijuana plants were found. Southern California Edison responded to the location and confirmed the electricity was bypassed and the power was stolen. Burgos was arrested for PC498(B)(1) - theft of utilities, HS11358(C) - cultivation of marijuana and booked at the Barstow Jail.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact Sheriff Dispatch at 760 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text REPORT to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. Online reporting is also available at https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.
Refer: Deputy C. Ellison
Station: Barstow Station
Phone No. 760 256-4838
Case No. 082601669
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
