$100,000 DIVIDED THREE WAYS

Riverside County Supervisors have divided their $100,000 Christopher Dorner reward three ways. (Photo by CasperNews)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Riverside, CA – The Riverside County Board of Supervisors have voted to approve the payout of the county’s $100,000 Christopher Dorner reward.

The vote directed the payout be made to the three individuals who were chosen by a trio of retired judges, which excluded Rick Heltebrake, despite the fact the Boy Scout camp caretaker told supervisors he deserved a share of the money. Heltebrake explained his 9-1-1 call after his pickup was hijacked led law enforcement officials to Dorner.

The 33-year-old Dorner, who died February 13 from a single gunshot wound in a Big Bear mountain cabin, allegedly killed four people, including Detective Jeremiah MacKay and wounded two others, including Big Bear Deputy Alex Collins.

THE DISTRIBUTION

The three retired judges reviewed claims submitted by 12 parties and determined the distribution of roughly $1 million in reward funds in Los Angeles. Riverside County’s $100,000 was not part of that reward.

James and Karen Reynolds will receive $80,000 of the Riverside funds. The Reynolds’ will receive 80 percent of the Los Angeles fund, paid in installments. Dorner tied up the Reynolds’ at gunpoint and they called 9-1-1, after the former police officer stole their purple Nissan SUV and tried to flee the Big Bear area. The judges determined that call led to his eventual location and the deadly exchange of gunfire in the mountain cabin.

Corona tow truck driver R. Lee McDaniel, who spotted Dorner’s vehicle at an AM/PM Market and reported it to authorities, will get $5,000 from Riverside County. He was previously awarded five percent of the Los Angeles reward.

Snow Summit Ski Resort employee Daniel McGowan  is entitled to 15 percent, according to the resolution passed by Riverside County. That amounts to $15,000. McGowan is the individual who spotted Dorner’s burning truck on a Forest Service fire road and notified the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. He was reportedly the only person who notified authorities about the burning Nissan truck. (469)

STEVEN TAYLOR RUTHERFORD

Steven Taylor Rutherford, 47, of Banning, has been charged with felony arson charges related to nine fires he allegedly set in both San Bernardino and Riverside counties. (Contributed Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

UPDATE – Wednesday, July 3 – 3:36 p.m.

Riverside, CA – Steven Taylor Rutherford, 47, has been formally charged with setting nine arson fires — including the recent Mill Fire off Highway 38 in Mentone that burned 534-acres — and will be tried in Riverside County.

The Banning resident is charged with 13 arson-related counts, according to information provided at a joint press conference held in Riverside by San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos, Riverside County District Attorney Paul Zellerbach and CalFire’s John Hawkins.

“SERIAL ARSONIST”

Zellerbach, who called Rutherford a “serial arsonist,” told media representatives Rutherford was being charged with setting nine fires in the last 21 months. Five of those fires were located in the Banning area and one in San Bernardino County. The locations of the other fires were not immediately available.

Complete details of the case against Rutherford were not released, but Zellerbach did indicate “delayed ignition device” to start each fire. Officials had also legally placed GPS devices on Rutherford’s vehicles during their investigation.

Ramos announced the case would be tried in Riverside County because doing so would be “more efficient instead of dragging witnesses back and forth between the two counties.”

ORIGINAL STORY

Riverside, CA – A 47-year-old Banning man has been arrested by CalFire investigators on suspicion of setting numerous fires in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

Steven Taylor Rutherford (Booking Photo Supplied By CalFire)

Steven Taylor Rutherford — who was arrested in the 9000 block of Bluff Street in Banning on June 28 — is being held on $5 million bail at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside. He was booked at that facility on June 29 at 12:54 a.m.

His next court appearance will be at 8 a.m. on July 3 at the Riverside Hall of Justice.

THE CHARGES 

Rutherford is charged with arson of a structure or forest land, and arson with great bodily injury. Booking information indicates he is charged with nine counts of each alleged offense.

CalFire’s media advisory indicated the case was compiled against Rutherford by investigators from several fire and law enforcement agencies.

While the specific fires allegedly set by Rutherford were not included in the media release, the advisory did indicate they were in both San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The release also did not reveal the person injured, or extent of injuries sustained, during at least one of the fires.

Additional information will be released when it becomes available.

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GRAND PRIZE A MOTORIZED BICYCLE

The grand prize of an alleged “fake” lottery was supposed to be a $950 motorized bicycle. A man was arrested in Crestline on suspicion of running the lottery. Officials hope additional “victims” will come forward. (Contributed Photo)

By G.T. Houts

Crestline, CA – A 42-year-old man was arrested for allegedly selling “fake” raffle tickets on a motorized bicycle valued at $950 during Crestline’s Jamboree Days celebration.

Eric Charles Penley (Photo by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department)

“Eric Charles Penley sold raffle tickets for $5 each on the motorized bicycle,” Captain Rick Ells told ROTWNEWS. “He specifically told the victims to be at a Lake Drive location at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, for the drawing with proceeds going to Lupus and/or cancer research.

“When they arrived,” Ells continued, “Penley did not show up. While our deputies were filling out the criminal report, he was located at Lake Gregory Regional Park and placed under arrest.”

THE ARREST

Penley was charged with running the “fake” lottery and placed under arrest.

Captain Ells indicated that while officers were interviewing Penley, he provided them with a different name and date of birth.

On Monday, July 8, Penley was released from custody at 1:55 a.m.

PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE

The Twin Peaks Sheriff”s Station is hopeful that anyone who believes they may have purchased the “fake” lottery tickets will contact the office at (909) 336-0600.

Captain Ells noted that the department was releasing the suspect’s picture to assist potential victims to identify Penley. (214)

RECEIPT OF STOLEN PROPERTY

Twenty-seven year old Tanya Emi Szal is the latest addition to the Mountain’s MOST WANTED fugitive list. (Photo by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Twin Peaks, CA – Tanya Emi Szal, 27, has been added to the list of the Mountain’s MOST WANTED by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station. The woman — who at one time lived in Running Springs — is listed as a fugitive for failure to appear for arraignment on being in receipt of stolen property. She is also sought on a felony charge of carrying as dirk or dagger.

Judge Michael Dest issued the warrant on December 27, 2012,  after Szal failed to appear in Department S-23 at 8:43 and 10:07 a.m. Own recognizance was revoked after agreeing to appear in court on November 6, 2012.

PREVIOUS CASE

In a previous case, Szal was found guilty of petty theft involving commercial property in May 2011 and ordered to complete 45 hours of community service at any non-profit or charitable organization.

When Szal failed to file proof of completion, Judge Jon Ferguson revoked community service on December 15, 2011, and ordered Szal to pay a fine of $450. Court documents do not indicate whether Szal paid off the fine.

CONTACT TWIN PEAKS/WE-TIP

Persons with information about Szal are urged to contact the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Department at (909) 336-0600. Anonymous callers should dial the We-TIP hotline at (800) 78-CRIME (800-782-7463). (323)

BAIL REDUCED TO $750,000

A 28-year-old Big Bear Lake man has entered a not guilty plea on eight felony sex crimes against children charges. Bail was reset to $750,000. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

UPDATE – Thursday, July 11 – 9:38 a.m.

San Bernardino, CA – A plea of not guilty to all eight felony counts of sex crimes against children has been entered in San Bernardino County Superior Court by 28-year-old Big Bear Lake resident Samuel Joseph Kardos.

Kardos, who was arraigned before Judge Kenneth Barr on Thursday (July 11),  reset Kardos’ bail from $2 million to $750,000 and appointed the Public Defender to represent the suspect.

NEXT COURT APPEARANCE

The next court appearance for Kardos will be a pre-preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, July 19, in Department S-23.

ORIGINAL STORY

Big Bear Lake, CA – Eight felony counts of sex crimes against minors have been filed against Samuel Joseph Kardos, 28, of Big Bear Lake. He is being detained at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga in lieu of $2 million bail.

THE CASE

Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies responded to a Big Bear Lake residence on June 15 in response to a report that Kardos had committed sexual offenses against two female juveniles under 10 years of age.

At the time of the original report, Kardos was incarcerated at West Valley on an unrelated charge of false imprisonment, with a release date of July 7.

During their investigation, Big Bear detectives determined Kardos had reportedly molested the two juveniles on multiple occasions over a period of months in 2012. The victims were given forensic examinations at the Children’s Assessment Center in San Bernardino and Kardos was contacted at the jail and booked on the sex charges.

A criminal report was prepared and forwarded to the San Bernardino County District Attorney for filing of felony charges.

CHARGES FILED

On Wednesday, July 10, the District Attorney filed a criminal complaint against Kardos, charging him with six (6) counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a child and two (2) counts of sex or sodomy with a child under 10 years of age.

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SUSPECTED OF ABUSING DAUGHTER 

The teenage father of a 22-month-old Sugarloaf girl has been arraigned, charged with child abuse allegations. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

UPDATE – Friday, July 12 – 1:17 p.m.

San Bernardino, CA – Judge Kenneth Barr has arraigned the 18-year-old father of a 22-month-old Sugarloaf girl on charges of torture and assault on a child causing coma.

After Aaron Wayne Degrise entered a not guilty plea to all charges, Judge Barr raised the teenager’s bail to $1 million from $500,000.

The court appointed the public defender to represent Degrise and set a pre-preliminary hearing for Monday, July 22, at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-22.

The 17-year-old mother — charged with willfully causing or permitting a child to be injured — will be tried in the Juvenile Court system.

ORIGINAL STORY

Sugarloaf, CA – The teenage parents of a 22-month-old girl have been arrested in Sugarloaf after a hospital examination revealed that the victim had extensive injuries, suspected of being caused by abuse, according to the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.

Deputies responded to Bear Valley Community Hospital on Tuesday, July 9, related to the infant, who had injuries to her head and body. The child was transported to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital for additional treatment. Medical examinations by LLUCH forensic pediatricians revealed the possible abuse.

THE ARRESTS

The Crimes Against Children detail assumed the investigation leading to the arrest of the victim’s parents — Aaron Wayne Degrise, 18, and the 17-year-old mother, according to a release issued July 11 by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Degrise was booked at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino on July 9 at about 9:30 p.m.  He is charged with violating Penal Code 206 – Torture and Penal Code 273ab(a) – Assault on a Child Causing Coma. Bail has been established at $500,000.

The unidentified female juvenile is charged with violating penal Code 273a(1) – Willfully Causing or Permitting a Child to be Injured. She is being held at San Bernardino Juvenile Hall without bail, as is the case with all juveniles booked at Juvenile Hall.

COURT APPEARANCE

Degrise was scheduled to be arraigned in San Bernardino County Superior Court at 1 p.m. July 1. However, minutes of that court appearance had not been posted at deadline.

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CHARLES STEVE ORTEZ

On the same day Twinkies “make the sweetest comeback in the history of ever — July 15 — the so-called Twinkies bandit, Charles Steve Ortez, is scheduled to return to court for a pre-preliminary hearing. (Photo by Hostess Twinkies)

By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino, CA – The so-called Twinkies bandit — Charles Steve Ortez. Jr. — returns to court Monday, July 15, the same day Hostess Twinkies are scheduled to return to store shelves. A pre-preliminary hearing is scheduled is set to begin at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-21.

Ortez, Jr., 62, is charged with allegedly robbing Mountain High Market in Twin Peaks on Monday, October 1, 2012, of Twinkies, milk, Coke, whiskey and cash. The armed robbery, utilizing a Taurus .38-caliber revolver,  took place just minutes before the market was scheduled to close for the night, according to documents released by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.

MOST RECENT COURT APPEARANCE

During his most recent court appearance on June 7, Judge Kenneth Barr granted a defense verbal motion by attorney Scott Roberts to re-set the pre-preliminary hearing date to the July 15 date.

Ortez — who has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges — remains in custody at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino, with bail set at $500,000.

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LAKE ARROWHEAD ANESTHESIOLOGIST DIED

By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino, CA – Thirty-three year old Brian Lynn Bohn has entered a not guilty plea to murder and nine (9) additional felony counts related to the June 7 crash that killed a Lake Arrowhead anesthesiologist and injured his ex-girlfriend (Guadalupe Ruiz) and their six-month-old son. The crash that killed Dr. Allen Newton, 66, happened on Waterman Avenue (Highway 18) at Marshall Boulevard.

Brian Bohn (Facebook Photo)

Judge Kenneth Barr appointed a conflict panel attorney to represent Bohn and accepted the suspect’s not guilty plea to all 10 charges.

He is scheduled to return to court on Friday, July 19, at 8:390 a.m. for a confirmation of counsel hearing in Department S-21.

THE INCIDENT

Dr. Newton, who was affiliated with San Bernardino Anesthesia Medical Group, was driving southbound on Waterman Avenue in his green Ford Taurus when the northbound black Chevrolet Silverado pick-up, driven by Bohn, reportedly crossed the double yellow line at a high rate of speed and hit the Taurus head-on, according to the San Bernardino Police Department.

Eyewitnesses told investigators Bohn was “having an altercation” with Ruiz at the time of the crash.

San Bernardino Police report Dr. Newton was on his way to a family vacation in Ventura County at the time of the crash.

CRIMINAL CHARGES

In addition to the murder charge, Bohn allegedly kidnapped Ruiz and their son just before the crash. A restraining/protective order had been issued in March prohibiting Bohn from “harassing, attacking, stalking, threatening” or coming within 100 yards of Ruiz, her oldest son and the youngster injured in the crash.

The 10 felony charges are: murder, kidnapping, false imprisonment, spousal abuse, child cruelty, burglary, 2 counts of inflicting corporal injury on spouse/cohabitant, buy or receive stolen property and receiving known stolen property in excess of $400, according to court documents.

IN CUSTODY

Bohn remains in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga with bail set at $2 million, (180)

CONDUCTED IN BIG BEAR AREA

Seven Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) offenders in the Big Bear area have been arrested during a surprise compliance check by law enforcement officials. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Big Bear Lake, CA – Seven PRCS (Post Release Community Supervision) offenders were placed under arrest when law enforcement officials conducted surprise compliance checks in the Big Bear area.

The primary focus of the operation was to ensure the 18 individuals living in Big Bear Valley, who have been granted PRCS status under Assembly Bill 109, were complying with the terms and conditions of that program.

THE ARRESTS

The joint operation — conducted by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s and Probation Department — resulted in the seven arrests for violations which included: four warrant arrests, possession of drug paraphernalia, contributing to the delinquency of  minors, possession of dangerous weapons and for the unauthorized possession of approximately  15 pounds of marijuana.

Additional compliance violations were discovered and investigations are ongoing.

TERMS OF RELEASE

All PRCS offenders in California and San Bernardino County must follow various terms of their release, such as submitting to random searches of their residences.

Some offenders are required to undergo drug testing and many are prohibited from consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages. Medical marijuana is permitted if the PRCS offender carries a medical doctor’s recommendation., according to official documents.

A.B. 109

As part of Governor Jerry Brown’s 2011 Realignment Plan (A.B. 109), in order to comply with a U.S. Supreme Court decision requiring the State of California to reduce its prison population by 30,000 individuals, offenders with non-violent, non-sexual, and non-serious convictions serve reduced sentences in county jails and are placed on supervision through county probation offices.

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 SETH MICHAEL WHISNER

Former RIM wrestler Seth Michael Whisner has been sentenced to 60 months of supervised probation under a plea bargain related to sex crimes committed against two teenage female victims. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA - Former Rim High School wrestler Seth Michael Whisner, 19, has been sentenced to five (5) years supervised probation — under terms of a plea bargain involving sex crimes — by San Bernardino County Superior Court Judge Arthur A. Harrison.

Seth Whisner (Facebook)

Last month, Whisner entered a plea of guilty to a felony count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor more than three (3) years younger and a misdemeanor count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor three (3) years older or younger. A second felony count of oral copulation with a person under 18 years of age was dismissed during the July 23 sentencing by Judge Harrison.

The parents of two of Whisner’s victims — a 17-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl — provided the court with victim impact statements before Judge Harrison sentenced Whisner.

TERMS OF PROBATION

Judge Harrison granted 60 months supervised probation ordering Whisner to report to his probation officer immediately and thereafter every 14 days.

The terms of the probation included participating in a counseling program as directed by the probation officer, make restitution to the victims  in the amount of $560 (plus a 10 percent administrative fee) through Central Collections, report immediately to the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health for an HIV anti-body test and an AIDS education program, and not own a phone that has Internet.

In addition to having no contact with his victims, Whisner was ordered by Judge Harrison to not maintain any social media accounts.

THE CASE

Whisner was arrested at the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station on April 16, following an investigation, after several underage girls came forward claiming sexual relations with the 2011 Rim High graduate and wrestling standout.

Twin Peaks Detective Richard Camacho began investigating the case on March 31, after the parents of one of the victims came forward. During the investigation, several additional girls were identified as victims but in several cases the statute of limitations had expired.

NEXT COURT APPEARANCE

Judge Harrison directed Whisner to return to court at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, for a restitution hearing and to review HIV test results.

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MOUNTAIN’S MOST WANTED

Joel Ian Rose, 21,  has entered a not guilty plea, in a video arraignment on felony assault charges, from the Central Detention Center where he is being held on $100,000 bail.  (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

UPDATE – Wednesday, August 14 –  4 p.m.

San Bernardino, CA – Joel Ian Rose, 21, who had been one of the Mountain’s Most Wanted fugitives, has entered a plea of not guilty to a felony charge of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury.

Rose was arraigned by video from the Central Detention Center by Superior Court Judge Kenneth Barr, who appointed the Public Defender to represent the suspect and set bail at $100,000.

A pre-preliminary hearing was set for August 22 at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-23.

DUI CASE

Meanwhile, in another courtroom Judge Steve C. Malone was set for a pre-trial on a charge that Rose was arrested for driving under the influence and driving under the influence with 0.08 percent or higher blood alcohol. There was also an additional charge related to the DUI being his second offense within 10 years. That offense was December 25, 2011.

Judge Malone not only revoked Rose’s previous own recognizance release but amended the complaint to allege a new count of failure to appear on a misdemeanor charge.

UPDATE – Wednesday, August 14 – 9:14 a.m.

San Bernardino, CA – Most Wanted fugitive Joel Ian Rose, 21, is now in custody at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino. Bail has been set at $100,000.

Rose is scheduled for arraignment at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 14, on a felony charge of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury.

He is also scheduled to appear the same day on a DUI charge.

ORIGINAL STORY

Twin Peaks, CA – The Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station is seeking 21-year-old Joel Ian Rose for felony spousal abuse and has listed him as one of the Mountain’s Most Wanted.

Captain Rick Ells explained a $100,000 felony warrant has been issued for Rose’s arrest.

THE INCIDENT

“The incident occurred on August 8,” Ells told ROTWNEWS, “when the victim showed up at Mountains Community Hospital with a deep laceration on her head.

“She also had abrasions to her neck,” Captain Ells reported.

PENDING CASE

On Thursday, August 1, Rose appeared before Judge W. Charles Bradley and entered a not guilty plea to driving under the influence and driving under the influence with 0.08 percent or higher blood alcohol. There is an additional charge related to the DUI being his second offense within 10 years. That offense was December 25, 2011.

He is due back in court for a pre-trial hearing on Wednesday, August 14, at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-6.

Judge Bradley released Rose on conditional own recognizance and required Rose to sign an agreement to appear on August 14. The judge advised Rose of the consequences of failing to appear.

CONTACT TWIN PEAKS/WE-TIP

Persons with information about Rose are urged to contact the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Department at (909) 336-0600. Anonymous callers should dial the We-TIP hotline at (800) 78-CRIME (800-782-7463). (1154)

BRANDON JOEL PERKINS

A 33-year-old Riverside man — Brandon Joel Perkins — faces two felony DUI counts after his motorcycle crashed on a Crestline street injuring him and his 10-year-old passenger from San Bernardino. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Crestline, CA – The California Highway Patrol responded to a motorcycle incident, in the 23000 block of Valley View Drive of Crestline, and discovered 33-year-old Brandon Joel Perkins and a 10-year-old male passenger had been injured when the blue and white 2012 Kawasaki went down on the roadway.

THE INCIDENT

CHP Officer C. Garot’s initial investigation determined Perkins was approaching a left curve on Valley View Drive about 6:35 p.m., Sunday, August 18, just west of Crest Forest Drive, at about 50 miles per hour.

Perkins lost control of the Kawasaki and it overturned in the eastbound lane of Valley View Drive ejecting Perkins and the unidentified juvenile.

The motorcycle continued out of control,” according to a CHP press release, it collided with a metal fence and came to rest partially within the eastbound shoulder of Valley View Drive.

Perkins and the passenger both sustained injuries as a result of the collision and were transported to St. Bernardine Medical Center in San Bernardino for medical treatment.

CAUSE OF ACCIDENT

Officer Garot determined Perkins was allegedly driving the Kawasaki at an unsafe speed while under the influence of alcohol.

He was arrested at 7:28 p.m. and booked at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

COURT APPEARANCE

On Tuesday, August 20, an in-custody video arraignment was held by Judge Kenneth Barr.

Perkins entered a not guilt plea to two felony counts of DUI alcohol/drugs causing bodily injury, Judge Barr appointed the public defender to represent the suspect.

A pre-preliminary hearing was set for 8:30 a.m. on @Wednhesdeay, August 28, in Department S-22.

Judge Barr denied Perkins’ release on his o0wn recognizance and set bail at $100,000. (230)

BUTLER CREEK AREA

A marijuana eradication operation is underway four miles west of the Big Bear Dam, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Big Bear Lake, CA – The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is conducting a marijuana eradication operation in the Butler Creek area.

Information provided to ROTWNEWS is that the eradication is taking place north of Highway 18, about four (4) miles west of the Big Bear Dam.

Additional details will be provided as soon as they become available. (141)

FELONY BURGLARY SUSPECT 

The list of the Mountain’s MOST WANTED fugitives now includes felony burglary suspect Eugene “Gene” Jenkins II. (Photo by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department)

\By Michael P. Neufeld

Twin Peaks, CA – Felony burglary suspect Eugene “Gene” Jenkins II, 50,  has been added to the list of the Mountain’s MOST WANTED by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.

A Ramey Warrant — an arrest warrant issued prior to the court filing of a criminal case [People vs. Ramey (1976) 16 Cal.3rd 263] —  was obtained by deputies for the transient known to frequent the Blue Jay Mobile Home Park.

Jenkins is described by deputies as being 6-foot 1-inches tall and weighing about 190 pounds. He has numerous tattoos over his arms, back and chest.

BURGLARY INCIDENT

Jenkins and an alleged accomplice — 20-year-old Daymn Ray Darling — reportedly broke into a Blue Jay residence and stole several thousands of dollars worth of tools, jewelry, tattoo equipment, XBox 360 amd Game Cube systems, along with school backpacks for the victim’s children.

The burglary was reported on Monday, August 12, after the victim returned from being out of town and discovered entry to the residence had been made through a bedroom window. The home had been ransacked and lots of damage was reported by the resident.

DARLING IN CUSTODY

Darling, the alleged accomplice, was taken into custody at 2:2o p.m. on Wednesday, August 14. He was booked, for being in possession of stolen property and theft, at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

Darling is scheduled for a court hearing at 8:30 a.m. in San Bernardino County Superior Court, Department S-22, on Monday, August 26.

CONTACT TWIN PEAKS DEPUTIES

Persons with information about Jenkins are urged to contact the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Department at (909) 336-0600. Anonymous callers should dial the We-TIP hotline at (800) 78-CRIME (1-800-782-7463).

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JAKEB OTTO HUME

Twenty-six year old Jakeb Otto Hume, of Big Bear City, is in custody following his arrest on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Big Bear Lake, CA – A 26-year-old Big Bear City man — Jakeb Otto Hume — is in custody, charged with assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder, according to Big Bear Sheriff’s Detective Jeremy King.

Hume, who was arrested in the 900 block of West Sherwood Boulevard in Big Bear City just before midnight on Friday, August 23, is in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. Bail has been set at $1 million.

THE INCIDENT

The attempted murder charge stems from an incident involving a white male juvenile and a white male adult. Both of the unidentified alleged victims are residents of Big Bear City.

Investigators report that a party, by several local residents at a vacant home in Sugarloaf, ended with an argument and altercation.

During the altercation, Hume allegedly produced some type of stabbing weapon and used it multiple times to strike one of the two victims, according to a media release issued by Detective King.

“The juvenile victim received several cuts and a punctured lung,” the release noted. “He was transported to the hospital by paramedics for treatment. The second victim was cut when he attempted to stop the fight. He was examined by paramedics at the scene.”

HUME’S ARREST

Hume reportedly fled the scene of the incident prior to the arrival of officers. The California Highway Patrol spotted Hume walking in the roadway a few blocks from the scene and he was taken into custody.

He was initially booked at the Big Bear Jail and later transferred to West Valley.

COURT APPEARANCE

Hume’s first court appearance on the felony charges is set for 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27. (251)

SHERIFF’S NARCOTICS OPERATION

Motorists on Highway 18, near Running Springs, witnessed a Sheriff’s Department helicopter bring confiscated marijuana plants to a dumpster after being removed from a grow about a mile away. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld/ROTWNEWS)

By Michael P. Neufeld

UPDATE – Tuesday, August 27 – 2:44 p.m.

Running Springs, CA – The marijuana eradication operation, near Highway 18 in the Running Springs area, netted 1,539 plants, according to information supplied by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.

There were no arrests but the investigation is ongoing.

ORIGINAL STORY

Running Springs, CA – Motorists on Highway 18, near Running Springs, wondered what was going on a short distance from the Heaps Peak Disposal Site. A San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department helicopter flew overhead with a load of harvested marijuana plants taken from the canyon below the location.

Once the helicopter drops its eradicated plants volunteers prepare to transport the confiscated marijuana to an undisclosed disposal site. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld/ROTWNEWS)

The chopper dropped the eradicated marijuana into an awaiting trailer where Sheriff’s Department volunteers began getting it ready for transport to a disposal site.

Confiscated marijuana plants are airlifted from the grow site to a secure area where the plants are processed for disposal. (Photo by Michael P,. Neufeld/ROTWNEWS)

Detailed information about the grow and the number of plants was not immediately available but reporters were told many of the budding plants were 6-8 feet tall.

CONTACT INFORMATION

The investigation of the marijuana grow is ongoing.

Persons with information are urged to contact Sheriff’s Narcotics at (909) 890-4840, or WeTIP for anonymous information at 1-800-76-CRIME (7463).

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CHARLES STEVE ORTEZ 

The so-called Twinkies Bandit — accused of robbing a Twin Peaks market at gunpoint of Twinkies and other items — has had his disposition/reset hearing postponed until October 22. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino, CA – An eight (8) week delay in the dispo/reset hearing for the so-called Twinkies bandit — Charles Steve Ortez, Jr. — has been granted by Judge Kenneth Barr. Ortez is accused of robbing a Twin Peaks convenience store of Twinkies and other items.

The dispo/reset hearing is now scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22, in Department S-21. Deputy Public Defender Scott Roberts requested the continuance on behalf of Ortez.

Ortez was present at the brief court appearance on August 29 and remains in custody on $500,000 bail at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino.

THE CASE

Ortez, Jr., 62, is charged with allegedly robbing Mountain High Market in Twin Peaks on Monday, October 1, 2012, of Twinkies, milk, Coke, whiskey and cash. The armed robbery, utilizing a Taurus .38-caliber revolver,  took place just minutes before the market was scheduled to close for the night, according to documents released by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station. (39)

CRASH INJURES JUVENILE PASSENGER

The CHP has arrested a 58-year-old woman on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and felony child endangerment charges following the crash of her 1996 Buick Regal on Labor Day. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Crestline, CA – The crash of a 1996 Buick Regal into a metal pole and a fence led to the arrest of a 58-year-old women — Lupe Martha Murphy — after her 8-year-old juvenile passenger was injured. Murphy is charged with felony DUI (driving under the influence) and felony child endangerment.

THE INCIDENT

The California Highway Patrol reports at about 5 pm. on Labor Day (September 2), Murphy was driving northbound on Forest Lane in Crestline, at an undetermined speed, when she lost control of the Buick as she merged into the westbound lane of Laurel Lane.

Investigating officer J. Reneau’s paperwork shows Murphy — a Crestline resident — drove partially onto the westbound shoulder on Laurel Lane and continued out of control, colliding with the pole and fence in the 22700 block of Laurel Lane.

The juvenile — who was the right front passenger and also a Crestline resident  – sustained facial injuries and was treated by San Bernardino County Fire personnel for a possible broken nose. The juvenile also complained of pain to the mouth, according to information provided by the CHP.

The incident happened during the CHP’s Labor Day Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP).

THE INVESTIGATION

Officer Reneau determined Murphy was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash and her unsafe speed was an associated factor in the accident.

Murphy was placed under arrest and booked at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino. (404)

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF

Mountain Communities – The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is now releasing the daily incident reports for the Big Bear Station, City of Big Bear Lake and Twin Peaks Station.

Here are the logs for Monday, September 9:

BIG BEAR STATION

CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE

TWIN PEAKS STATION

(144)

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF

Mountain Communities – The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has released the daily incident reports for the Big Bear Station, City of Big Bear Lake and Twin Peaks Station.

Here are the logs for Tuesday, September 10:

BIG BEAR STATION

CITY OF BIG BEAR LAKE

TWIN PEAKS STATION

(163)