Full Notification

DATE/TIME: October 12, 2026, at 6:47 p.m., 

INCIDENT: PC 664 / 207 - Attempted Kidnapping 

LOCATION: 56000 Block of Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley

SUSPECT(S): Anthony Moran, 33-year-old, Resident of Yucca Valley

VICTIM(S): Confidential, 13-year-old, Male 

SUMMARY: Automated License Plate Reader assists in swift arrest of suspect following attempted kidnapping of juvenile.  

On Monday, October 12, 2026, at approximately 6:47 p.m., deputies assigned to the Morongo Basin Station responded to the ARCO gas station in the 56000 block of Twentynine Palms Highway in Yucca Valley.  This call for service was in response to a reported attempted kidnapping of a 13-year-old male victim.

During their investigation, deputies determined the juvenile victim was inside the gas station when an adult male, later identified as 33-year-old Yucca Valley resident, Anthony Moran, exited a truck in the parking lot and approached the victim.  The investigation revealed that Moran attempted to forcibly remove the victim from the business.  The victim was able to escape, and Moran fled the scene to his awaiting vehicle.

Deputies utilized Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology to assist in identifying the vehicle associated with the attempted kidnapping.  ALPR data provided investigative leads that helped deputies confirm the vehicle description and associated license plate.  Deputies then used law enforcement databases and investigative follow-up to identify Moran who was the registered owner of the vehicle.  Following their investigation, a warrant was issued for Moran's arrest.

On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, deputies located Moran.  He was arrested for PC 664/207, Attempted Kidnapping and booked into the Morongo Basin Jail.

This investigation highlights the ongoing operational value of ALPR technology as an investigative tool that can help law enforcement identify vehicles, develop leads, and locate suspects.  By combining technology with timely investigative follow-up and law enforcement resources, deputies were able to locate and arrest Moran within 24 hours of the attempted kidnapping.  The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department remains committed to leveraging effective investigative tools to protect the community and enhance public safety.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the 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: Deputy E. Sanchez-Perez

Station: Morongo Basin Station

Phone No. (760)366-4175

Case No. 232601630

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