DATE/TIME: November 11, 2026, 3:09 p.m.
INCIDENT: Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed
LOCATION: 26000 block of Jackson Road, Apple Valley
SUSPECT: Justin Merell, 30-year-old male, resident of Apple Valley
SUMMARY:
On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, deputies with the Apple Valley Station Gang Enforcement Team conducted an extensive investigation into narcotics sales and illegal firearms. Investigators served a search warrant at a residence in the 26000 block of Jackson Road.
During the search, deputies recovered a total of 12 firearms, including four unserialized firearms, one reported stolen firearm, and one fully automatic rifle. Deputies also located eight large-capacity magazines, approximately half a pound of suspected methamphetamine, and a digital scale.
Justin Merrell was arrested without incident. While being booked into the High Desert Detention Center, deputies discovered approximately six grams of suspected methamphetamine concealed in Merrell's shoe.
Merrell was booked on the following charges: HS 11370.1(a) – Possession of a controlled substance while armed; HS 11378 – Possession of a controlled substance for sale; PC 32310(a) – Possession of a large-capacity magazine; PC 33215 – Possession of a short-barrel rifle; PC 33410 – Possession of a silencer; PC 4573.5 – Bringing a controlled substance into a jail facility; and PC 496(a) – Possession of stolen property.
Anyone with 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: Apple Valley Gang Enforcement Team
Station: Apple Valley
Phone No: (760) 240-7428
Case No. 182606771
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino Sheriff-Coroner Department
