Jeana Lynn Reitz (aka Jeana Leming) is being sought by Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies for questioning in an assault with a deadly weapon case. (Photo by Twin _Peaks Sheriff’s Station)

G.T. Houts

Twin Peaks, CA – The Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station is seeking 32-year-old Jeana Lynn Reitz (aka Jeana Leming) for questioning in an assault with a deadly weapon case.

Deputies are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Reitz who is described as 5-foot 8-inches tall and weighing about 130 pounds. She has blonde hair and blue eyes, however, deputies have reason to believe Reitz may have died her hair black.

Reitz has been known to drive a sea foam green, Nissan Quest mini van with a license plate, 4HNX060, according to information provided by the Sheriff’s Department.

CONTACT TWIN PEAKS

Individuals with information about Reitz 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) or visit WE-TIP online.

Please reference case # 051500297. (201)

A Crestline tax preparer identified as Tammy Jonnell Ahumada, 48, has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison after she entered a guilty plea to filing false tax returns. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Los Angeles, CA – A 48-year-old Crestline tax preparer — Tammy J. Ahumada — has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison after entering a guilty plea to defrauding the government by preparing more than 200 false tax returns claiming tax refunds were due, according to information provided by the Internal Revenue Service.

The U.S. District Court Central District of California in Los Angeles also ordered Ahumada to pay restitution to the IRS of $1,414,167, a news release issued by the IRS stated.

THE CASE

During the 2007 to 2010 tax years. Ahumada obtained refunds ranging from $6,789 to $9,336, but admitted that neither she nor the named taxpayers were entitled to the refunds, the press release explained.

The investigation of Ahumada — following her arrest in Crestline on February 26, 2014, was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation in Los Angeles in conjunction with the Tax Division of the United States Attorney’s Office.

GUILTY PLEA

In August of last year, Ahumada entered a guilty plea to one count of an indictment that had originally charged her with 30 counts of making false claims against the United States government and 14 counts of identity theft.

In addition, court documents show that in 2002 and 2006, she was convicted of identity-theft-related financial crimes.

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Michael Anthony Reyes, Jr. is being sought by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station related to assault and burglary charges. (Contributed Photo)

By G,.T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA – The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station is seeking the public’s help in locating 23-year-old Michael Anthony Reyes, Jr. He is wanted in connecttion with assault and burglary charges.  He may be armed and is considered dangerous. Do not attempt to make contact.

Reyes is a Hispanic male, 5’11”, 160 lbs., with brown hair, brown eyes.

CASE DETAILS

Shortly after 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, deputies of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station responded to a disturbance in the Interlaken Shopping Center in Big Bear Lake. A witness observed a Hispanic male adult break into a vehicle in the parking lot and take items from inside the car.

A media release from the department indicated the witness chased the male suspect, who brandished a weapon and made threatening statements. The suspect then ran into the open field behind the shopping center.

Roughly 10 minutes later, deputies responded to a report of an attempted vehicle theft that had occurred at approximately 4:45 p.m. in the K-Mart parking lot. An unknown Hispanic male adult, matching the same description as the suspect from the Interlaken Shopping Center, broke into a vehicle in the parking lot.

The media release reported the suspect fled the area when the vehicle owner yelled at him to get out of the car.

Big Bear Sheriff’s Station deputies and the Sheriff’s Aviation Division conducted a thorough ground and aerial search of the area but were unable to locate the suspect.

PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED

Following these incidents, the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station received several photographs of the suspect from private citizens via social media.

As a result of the information received from observant witnesses, deputies were able to identify the suspect as Reyes.

He has active felony warrants issued against him for prior criminal history of assault with a deadly weapon and drug related charges.

A warrant for the arrest of Michael Reyes, Jr. was issued on March 15 by the San Bernardino County Superior Court.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Through investigation and public assistance, deputies determined Reyes may be driving a tan or gold 1999 Toyota Camry with California License Plate #4DNA642.

Anyone having information regarding the whereabouts of Michael Reyes, Jr. is requested to contact the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100. Information can also be reported anonymously by calling WE-TIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at WETIP. (142)

Gwendolyn Marie Greive, 71, former manager of the Alpine Water Users Association in Twin Peaks, is facing felony embezzlement charges. (Photo by ROTWNEWS.com)

By G, T. Houts

UPDATE: Wednesday, March 25 – 1:41 p.m.

San Bernardino, CA – The San Bernardino County District Attorney has released the warrant that led to the felony embezzlement arrest of 71-year-old Gwendolyn Marie Grave.

Here is the text of Count 1:

On or about February 12, 2014, in the above named judicial district, the crime of EMBEZZLEMENT BY PUBLIC OR PRIVATE OFFICER, in violation of PENAL CODE SECTION 504, a felony, was committed by Gwendolyn Marie Greive, who on and between January 22, 2013
and December 31, 2013, and while said defendant(s) was a Manager of Accounts for Alpine Waters User Association, did unlawfully, and fraudulently appropriate to a use and purpose not in the due and lawful execution of his/her trust, property which he/she had in his/her possession and under his/her control by virtue of his/her trust and did unlawfully secrete said property with a fraudulent intent to appropriate it to such a use and purpose contrary to Penal Code section 487(a), said property being of a value exceeding Four Hundred Dollars ($400).

ORIGINAL STORY

Twin Peaks, CA – The former manager of the Alpine Water Users Association in Twin Peaks —  Gwendolyn Marie Greive — is facing embezzlement charges  following her warrant arrest by Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies.

The 71-year-old Greive was taken into custody on March 5 at 2:24 p.m. in the 400 block of Cedarbrook Drive in Twin Peaks and was released at 11:32 p.m. the same day after posting $50,000 bond.

COURT PROCEEDINGS

The warrant for her arrest was issued by Superior Court Judge J. David Mazurek at 8:31 a.m. on February 20 in Department S-16.

Once the warrant was signed, Greive was considered a fugitive, according to court documents.

She is charged with violating California Penal Code 504, a felony for embezzling property by a public or private officer (over $400).

Greive is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges on May 7, at 8 a.m. in Department S-9.

ALPINE WATER USERS ASSOCIATION

A request for comment was sent to the Alpine Water Users Association but no reply was received by deadline.

The district — established in 1927 — is located at 745 Rose Lane in Twin Peaks.

The organization’s next board meeting is at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, at the Twin Peaks headquarters. (176)

By G.T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA – Robert Lorenzo Trionfi, 34, is being sought by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station. Trionfi is a parolee at large on Post Release Supervision and has an active felony warrant in the amount of $250,000 issued against him for assault with a weapon.

The warrant was issued by Judge Eric M. Nakata on March 12.

ROBERT LORENZO TRIONFI

Trionfi is known to travel between the Big Bear Valley and Lucerne Valley areas.

The subject is a Hispanic male, 5’10” tall, 200 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Once arrested, Trionfi will remain in jail without the possibility of bail and will be held to answer in court on the felony charge of assault. Court documents indicate the assault occurred July 2, 2014.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Anyone having information on the whereabouts of Trionfi is requested to contact the Detective Bureau of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100. (144)

An 81-year-old Twin Peaks man fell victim to a scam involving reported winning of $2 million and a new Mercedes Benz in the Australian Lottery. Two arrests have been made thanks to alert neighbors. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

Twin Peaks CA – An 81-year-old mountain resident found out the hard way that you can’t win $2 million and a new Mercedes Benz in the Australian Lottery. . .if you don’t buy a ticket!

Larry Travis (Booking Photo)

The Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station reports that on Wednesday, March 18, at approximately 1 p.m., the man was contacted by telephone and congratulated on being the winner of the Australian Lottery.

Over the phone, the subject explained to the victim he won the $2 million in cash and the new luxury car. The vehicle was to be delivered to the victim’s Twin Peaks residence that day; however, he had to pay $1,000 cash as a delivery fee.

The unidentified victim agreed to the fee and was told he would be contacted by someone who would deliver the vehicle and collect the money.

MONEY COLLECTION

At approximately 2:37 p.m. the same day, according to deputies, two individuals — identified as Larry Travis and LeShay Williams — arrived at the man’s residence to collect the money.

A media release from the Sheriff’s Department reports that the victim gave $300 cash to Travis because he had not gone to the bank and it was all he had at the time. Travis reportedly took the money, but did not deliver the vehicle.

LeShay Williams (Booking Photo)

The person on the telephone talking with the victim indicated the vehicle was 15 minutes behind Travis on a tow truck and would be delivered shortly.

Deputies report Travis then left the scene, but the vehicle was never delivered.

CONCERNED NEIGHBORS

Concerned neighbors of the 81-year-old man wrote down the license plate number of the vehicle Travis and Williams were in and contacted the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.

Neighbors were also able to give deputies a description of the vehicle and the suspects.

CASE DETAILS

The vehicle and Williams were located in Redlands, where the vehicle was registered.

Through further investigation, deputies were able to track down Travis the following day in San Bernardino.

Williams was arrested on March 18 and released from custody on March 19. Travis was arrested on March 19 and released on March 23. Both were booked for violation of Penal Code 182, Conspiracy to commit a crime, Penal Code 484, theft by fraud and Penal Code 368, Elder Abuse.

COURT PROCEEDINGS

On March 23, Travis entered a not guilty plea to all charges in Superior Court before Judge Ronald J. Gilbert. The court appointed the public defender to handle Travis’ case, set a  pre-trial hearing for March 30 at 8:30 a.m. in Department S7-J and, released Travis on his own recognizance.

No court hearings have been scheduled for Williams.

ADDITIONAL VICTIMS SOUGHT

It is alleged that the two suspects were involved with an international ring of scammers who prey on the elderly.

Deputies also believe Travis and Williams may have victimized others with the same type of scam.

If you have further information on the case or have been victimized by these two, you are encourage to call the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station at (909) 336-0600 to report it. (134)

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a homicide in Cedar Glen, according to scanner reports. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

UPDATE – Sunday,  March 29 – 5 p.m.

Cedar Glen, CA – Homicide detectives were summoned to the 200 block of Balsam Drive in Cedar Glen Sunday afternoon after Twin Peaks deputies responded to a possible murder of an unidentified male.

Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Cindy Bachman told ROTWNEWS.com in an E-mail that it’s still unclear what led to the shooting and whether anyone is in custody.

Additional details of the incident are still sketchy and will be released when they become available.

ORIGINAL STORY

Cedar Glen , CA – Scanner reports shortly before noon on Sunday indicated there was a possible homicide in the 200 block of Balsam Way in Cedar Glen.

The initial call at 11:56 a.m. indicated there was a gunshot wound at that location. San Bernardino County Fire personnel staged in the area and Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene.

At 12:10 p.m., staged units reported the call was not an active shooter incident but a possible homicide.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Additional details will be released as they become available. (425)

A video arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, April 2, at 12:30 p.m. for Cedar Glen murder suspect Alonzo Sarellano. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA -Cedar Glen  resident Alonzo Sarellano, 23, is scheduled to be arraigned in San Bernardino County Superior Court, for the alleged murder of 18-year-old Rim Forest resident Salvador Helguera on March 29. Sarellano is expected to enter a plea to the murder charge at 12:30 p.m. via video during the Thursday, April 2 arraignment.

Salvador Helguera (Contributed Photo)

Sarellano is being held without bail at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino. He is a 2009 graduate of Rim of the World High School.

THE INCIDENT

On Sunday, March 29, homicide detectives were summoned to the 200 block of Balsam Way in Cedar Glen after Twin Peaks deputies responded to a possible murder of a young male just before noon. The victim was later identified as Helguera.

Through investigation, Sarellano was identified as the suspect responsible for Helguera’s shooting death.

THE ARREST

Sarellano — according to Sheriff’s Department booking records — was placed under arrest at 3:30 a.m. on Monday, March 30, and transported to the Central Detention Center.

Information provided by the Sheriff’s Department indicates the suspect was arrested without incident and booked for violation of California Penal Code 187 (Murder).

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A 33-year-old Sugarloaf man — Gilbert Mesa — has died while in custody after hanging himself in the Big Bear Jail. (File Photo).

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA – Homicide detectives are investigating the in-custody death by suicide of a 33-year-old Sugarloaf man — Gilbert Mesa — while incarcerated in the Big Bear Jail, according to a press release issued by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.

DEADLY WEAPON ARREST

The release reported that on Saturday, March 28, at 1:30 p.m. Mesa arrived at the Big Bear Station to provide a statement regarding an assault with a deadly weapon investigation. Mesa had been named as the suspect. Following the interview, Mesa was arrested and booked into the Big Bear Jail at 477 Summit Boulevard in Big Bear Lake.

At 8:15 p.m., the jail deputy observed Mesa, and Mesa acknowledged the deputy, according to information provided by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.

Thirty-five minutes later, at 8:50 p.m., the jail deputy was conducting his observation logs when he saw Mesa hanging from the top of the bunk, with his shoelaces tied around his neck. Deputies promptly cut the shoelaces from his neck, called for medical aid and began CPR. Fire personnel responded and transported Mesa to Bear Valley Community Hospital.

PASSING OF INMATE

On Sunday, March 29, at 1:30 a.m. Mesa was transferred to Riverside Community Hospital.

Two days later — Tuesday, March 31, at 9:19 p.m. — Mesa was pronounced dead. The Riverside County Coroner conducted an autopsy on Wednesday, April 1.  The cause of death was determined to be Anoxic Encephalopathy due to hanging.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Persons with information regarding the in-custody death investigation are urged to contact Detective Eddie Bachman at (909) 387-3589.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information online on WE-TIP. (284)

A shuttle van from the LA  Adventurer All-Suites Hotel in Inglewood was recovered by Big Bear deputies after conducting a traffic stop on Highway 18 near Cactus Flats. (Contributed Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Cactus Flats – The 27-year-old man suspected of stealing a Mercedes shuttle van from an Inglewood hotel will be arraigned in San Bernardino County Superior Court at 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 3. The subject — identified by Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies as  Robert Joshua Kreckel — is currently in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

THE INCIDENT

On Wednesday, April 1, at about 3:50 a.m., the California Highway Patrol notified the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station of a stolen vehicle with GPS (global positioning system) was being tracked in the Big Bear Valley area.

Deputies conducted a search for the Mercedes shuttle van that had been reported stolen from the LA Adventurer All-Suites Hotel,.

At about 4:20 a..m., Deputy Stanley Conway located the shuttle van drivings towards Lucerne Valley on Highway 18 near Cactus Flats.

THE ARREST

A felony traffic stop was initiated and Kreckel — identified as a transient — was placed under arrest and initially booked at the Big Bear Jail. He was later transferred to the West Valley Detention Center and held on $50,000 bail. (122)

Gary Michael Simrak, 49, is being sought by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station on a variety of drug charges. A felony $75,000 warrant has been issued for his arrest. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

Big Bear Lake,  CA – Gary Simrak, 49, is being sought by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station on an  active felony warrant issued March 5 in the amount of $75,000 for possession of a controlled substance for sale, cultivation of marijuana/hashish and maintaining a drug house.

On March 5, Judge Steve C. Malone issued the warrant after Simrak failed to appear for a pre-preliminary hearing on the drug offenses that led to his arrest on February 5. Two days later, the bail bondsman was notified the bail had been forfeited.

GARY SIMRAK

The Big Bear Sheriff’s Department describes Simrak as being 6-foot tall, weighing 210 pounds with blue eyes and a shaved head.

In addition to the aforementioned charges, Simrak is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday, April 7, on a charge of being in possession of a hypodermic needle.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Persons with information about Simrack’s whereabouts are requested to contact the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station’s Detective Bureau at (909) 866-0100. (124)

A 26-year-old Michigan man has entered a not guilty plea to a host of charges after his arrest in Lake Arrowhead. The charges include spousal abuse and unlawful sex with a minor. (File Photo)

By G.T. Houts

UPDATE: Tuesday, April 7 – 4:27 p.m.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA – Twenty-six-year-old Ryan Luke Vandervliet from Wyoming, Michigan, has entered a not guilty to three felony charges of spousal abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, and unlawful sex with a minor during a video arraignment from the West Valley Detention Center.

Court Commissioner Ronald J. Gilbert appointed the Public Defender to represent Vandervliet and set a pre-preliminary hearing for Wednesday, April 15, at 8:390 a.m . in Department S-17.

Bail was raised to $150,000. A request by Vandervliet to be released on his own recognizance was denied.

ORIGINAL STORY

Lake Arrowhead, CA – A video arraignment has been scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, for a 26-year-old Michigan man accused of spousal abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, terrorist threats and unlawful sex with a minor following his arrest in Lake Arrowhead.

Ryan Luke Vandervliet from Wyoming, Michigan,  is being held at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga on $50,000 bail.

THE INCIDENT

Shortly after 6 a.m. on Friday, April 3, Sheriff’s Dispatch received a call from a female reporting party requesting a welfare check of a 17-year-old female who called her stating that she woke up as her boyfriend — later identified as Vandervliet — was choking her.

The caller told dispatchers she had lost contact with the victim and was unable to reach the 17-year-old on subsequent calls.

THE INVESTIGATION

Twin Peaks deputies were told the caller did not have a a unit number for the room the subjects were staying in — in the 27000 block of Sugar Pine Drive in Lake Arrowhead — so the property manager was contacted and asked to respond.

Deputies received information the suspect was still attempting to assault the underage female victim.

Once on scene, deputies began searching for indications of the incident location. They were notified the subjects were not from the area and they have driven an unknown rental car to the location.

Deputies ran license plates at the location and eventually located the rental car and began searching the area in an attempt to locate the female victim.

While conducting the area search, deputies  reportedly heard a loud argument coming from Unit 1 of the rentals. They converged on the location and made contact with the victim and the suspect.

THE ARREST

The underage victim was removed from the unit and treated for her injuries and transported to the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station where she was picked up by her father, according to a media release issued by the Sheriff’s Department.

Meanwhile, Vandervliet was placed under arrest at 8 a.m. and transported to the West Valley Detention Center. (192)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear Lake,  CA – The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station has placed 35-year-old Joseph Trexler on the list of Most Wanted fugitives. He is considered armed and dangerous and the public should not attempt to apprehend Trexler, according to a media release issued by authorities.

Trexler is a parolee at large and is wanted on a no-bail warrant for felony evasion/wreckless endangerment.

JOSEPH TREXLER

The Sheriff’s Department’s release indicates Trexler is a white male, about 5-foot,  7-inches tall. He reportedly weighs about 220 pounds.

Trexler has brown hair and hazel eyes.

INFORMATION SOUGHT

Anyone having information on the whereabouts of Joseph Trexler is requested to contact the Detective Bureau of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100.

Information can also be reported anonymously by calling WETIP at (800) 78-CRIME or by visiting WETIP online.

  (8)

A 32-year-old Crestline man — Kyle Allan Thompson — has been sentenced to 36 months supervised probation on a single felony count of inflicting corporal in jury on a spouse/cohabitant. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino,  CA – Superior Court Judge Ronald J. Gilbert has sentenced Kyle Allan Thompson to 36 months supervised probation after the 32-year-old Crestline resident accepted a plea bargain on a single felony count of inflicting corporal injuries to a spouse/cohabitant.  He was released from custody at 10:08 a.m. on Wednesday,  April 15.

Under the terms of the plea bargain, Thompson is required to have no contact with the victim, report to the Probation Department immediately after release and to participate in a counseling program and be responsible for program fees, pay a restitution fine of $300 plus a 10 percent administrative fee, cooperate with the psychiatrist and medical doctor, take all medications  as prescribed and meet and keep mental health case manager appointments as directed.

Thompson accepted the terms and conditions of probation.

THE ORIGINAL INCIDENT

On Tuesday, February 17,  deputies from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 700 block of Deer Trail in Crestline.

Emergency dispatchers were told by an unidentified female victim that her boyfriend was refusing to leave and was trying to prevent her from calling authorities. Thompson had left the residence by the time deputies arrived at the residence.

During an interview with deputies, the victim said she had been attacked with a wooden, baton-style weapon. The victim also told deputies Thompson attempted to strangle her, according to a media release issued by the Twin Peaks Station.

SUSPECT’S EVENTUAL ARREST

During an area check, deputies spotted Thompson as he fled on foot. Deputies began a pursuit and Thompson managed to elude capture that night. However, deputies kept the residence under observation for most of the day on Wednesday, February 18, anticipating Thompson’s possible return.

On Thursday, February 19, Thompson was spotted by deputies at about 1:23 a.m. outside a residence in the 700 block of Big Oak Drive. Thompson again led deputies on another foot pursuit through the backyards of several nearby residences. Thompson hid under the cover of darkness near the area of Crest Forest Drive and Big Oak Drive.

Sheriff’s Aviation (40-King) assisted with the pursuit and directed deputies to where Thompson was hiding. The suspect was taken into custody at 1:48 a.m. without further incident. (130)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA -The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station  has added 57-year-old Ray Costido to the list of the Mountain’s Most Wanted fugitives. Costido — who is considered armed and dangerous — is a parolee at large wan ted on a felony warrant for home invasion robbery. He is also a registered sex offender. and the Megan’s Law web site shows his most recent address being on Silvetip Road in  Big Bear Lake.

Costido,  a Hispanic male, is described by authorities as being 5-feet 9-inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. He has brown hair and eyes.

A media advisory indicates that Costido is known to travel between Big Bear Valley and San Bernardino.

CONTACT AUTHORITIES

The public is advised not to approach or attempt to detain Costido.

Anyone having information on the whereabouts of Ray Costido is requested to contact the Detective bureau of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100.  Information can also be reported anonymously by calling WE TIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at WETIP.

  (99)

Two suspects remain at large following a home invasion robbery in Big Bear City on Friday. (File Photo)

G T. Houts

Big Bear City, CA – Bear Bear Sheriff’s deputies are seeking two men who robbed a Big Bear City man at gunpoint, stole his vehicle and his wallet.

THE INCIDENT

Shortly before 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 18, deputies responded to a report of a home invasion robbery that occurred in the 800 block of South Castle Lane in Big Bear City.

The male victim reported that, during the hours of 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., two unidentified male subjects entered his residence while he was asleep, held him at gunpoint, tied him up and stole his vehicle and wallet.

The suspects were both obscuring their faces, wearing full-face motorcycle helmets at the time of the incident.

The victim’s vehicle is a white 1991 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 single cab truck, California license plate 22648U1, with a brush guard in front and miscellaneous tools in the back.

THE SUSPECTS

A media release from the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station indicates that suspect #1 is an unknown race male, 5’4” – 5’6” tall, with a thin build.

Suspect #2 is described as an unknown race male, 5’7” – 5’9” tall, with a heavy build. Both suspects were wearing dark clothing, and one of the men reportedly left the residence on a motorcycle.

INFORMATION SOUGHT

Persons having information on this matter are requested to contact the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100.

Information can also be reported anonymously by calling WE TIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at WETIP. (16)

Gary Evan Friley, 18, a resident of Arrowbear, has entered a not guilty plea to a charge of sex crimes against a juvenile under 10 years old. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

UPDATE: Friday,  April 24 – 7:54 a.m.

San Bernardino, CA – A plea of not guilty to all charges has been entered by 18-year-old Gary Evan Friley from Arrowbear to a single felony court of sexual penetration involving a juvenile under 10 years old.

Friley — who was arraigned by Judge William Jefferson Powell via video from the West Valley Detention  Center — was denied release on his own recognizance and bail was set at $250,000.

NEXT COURT APPEARANCE

Judge Powell appointed the public defender and set a pre-preliminary hearing for 8:30 a.m. on Friday, May 1, at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-17.

ORIGINAL STORY

Twin Peaks, CA – An 18-year-old Arrowbear resident — identified by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station as Gary Evan Friley — has been arrested for sex crimes against a juvenile under 10 years of age.

Gary Evan Friley (Booking Photo)

Friley is being held on $500,000 bail at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. He is scheduled for video arraignment at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 23.

THE CASE

On Friday, April 3, the unidentified victim spent the night at a friend’s house, according to a press release issued by the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station.

During the sleepover the victim repotrtedly made statements about being touched inappropriately by an adult male. The victim’s mother was made aware of the statements and deputies were contacted.

Deputy Miller responded to the call and spoke to the victim and the victim’s mother at their church. The victim told Deputy Miller a neighbor, later identified by authorities as Friley, had allegedly forced the victim to orally copulate him. The victim also reported being sodomized by Friley.

The victim took Deputy Miller to where the assaults occurred, which was near the victim’s home located in a wooded area on some abandoned couch cushions. The location was documented and evidence was collected from the scene.

After the initial interview with the victim, Detective Camacho took over the investigation. Detective Camacho arranged for the victim to be seen at the children’s assessment center where a forensic interview and medical examination were conducted.

INTERVIEW AND ARREST

On Tuesday, April 21, at approximately 8:58 a.m., Detective Camacho contacted Friley at his residence in the 2300 block of Blue Jay Lane in Arrowbear. Friley cooperated with Detective Camacho and agreed to go to the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s sub-station located in Running Springs for an interview.

Following the interview, Detective Camacho believed there was sufficient evidence to charge Friley with a crime.

Friley was taken into custody at the sub-station and transported to the West Valley Detention Center where he was booked for PC 288.7(b), oral copulation with a juvenile under 10 years old and PC 288(a), lewd and lascivious act with a child under 14.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SOUGHT

If you have further information regarding this case, or have been victimized by Friley, you are encouraged to call the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station at (909) 336-0600 to report it. (489)

Big Bear Lake murder suspect Ronald Michael Hitchcock, charged with the 2002 death of his girlfriend, Deborah Ann Crouch., returns to Superior Court on Tuesday, April 28, (FILE PHOTO)

By G. T. Houts

San Bernardino, CA – Murder suspect Ronald Michael Hitchcock, 59,  returns to court Tuesday, April 28. Hitchcock, who is charged with the murder of Erwin Lake resident, Deborah Ann Crouch, 53, will be have a disposition/reset hearing at 8:30 a.m. in San Bernardino County Superior Court, Department S-16.

Deborah Ann Crouch (File Photo)

Hitchcock — a resident of Big Bear — has already entered a not guilty plea to murder and cruelty to another’s animal. He is currently in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga with bail set at $1 million.

During a brief appearance before Judge J. David Mazurek on March 10, Hitchcock’s hearing was continued at the request of defense attorney Rod Curbelo. Curbelo is a deputy public defender.

THE INCIDENT

Hitchcock is charged with two felony charges after Crouch’s body and that of a dog were retrieved from a submerged car in Big Bear Lake on September 15, 2012.

Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Swim Beach area of Meadow Park at about 6 a.m. on that date, and made contact with a man (Hitchcock) — who was inside the fencing at Swim Beach and yelling — he explained his vehicle had crashed through the locked front gate and into the lake, according to a media advisory issued at the time by the Big Bear Station.

The report of a submerged car at Swim Beach in Big Bear Lake was received about 6 a.m. Saturday, September 15, 2002. (Contributed Photo)

Sheriff’s Aviation’s 40-King was dispatched about 7 a.m. and once over the scene mapped the GPS coordinates of the car’s location. The car was located about 20 yards out from the beach.

Members of the department’s dive team went into Big Bear Lake and found the vehicle, which contained the female victim (Crouch) and a dog. They were both pronounced deceased at the scene.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department homicide detectives were summoned to the scene and, following their investigation  — which included a search of Crouch’s residence on E Lane in Erwin Lake — arrested Hitchcock on suspicion of murder. (16)

Steven Barry Hoffman, 31, is in custody charged with felony assault causing serious bodily injury on a female victim. He is incarcerated at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. (File Photo)

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA – A 31-year-old Big Bear man — Steven Barry Hoffman — is in custody at the West Valley Detention Center following his arrest on suspicion of felony assault with serious injury on a female victim who was flown to Loma Linda University Medical Center for treatment.

THE INITIAL INCIDENT 

Steven Barry Hoffman (Contributed Photo)

Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 7-11 convenience store in the 41000 block of Big Bear Boulevard at about 12:05 a.m. on Saturday, April 25,  to a report of a subject disturbance.

The suspect — identified by authorities as Hoffman — was gone upon the arrival of deputies. Officers responded to Hoffman’s residence and made contact with the suspect.

He was directed not to return to 7-11,  according to a media release issued by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.

THE ASSAULT

About a half hour after the contact with Hoffman, a deputy was completing the report at the 7-11 when he was contacted by a female who was bleeding from the face an d head.

The unidentified victim, identified by authorities as a relative that lives with Hoffman,  told the deputy that Hoffman had repeatedly kicked her.

The woman reportedly indicated that Hoffman  accused her of calling the Sheriff’s Department on him.

AREA SEARCH

Deputies returned to Hoffman’s residence but the suspect had fled the location prior to their arrival.

An overnight search — that included a bloodhound and handler from the Rancho Cucamonga Station — failed to locate Hoffman an d a warrant for his arrest was issued

At the time Hoffman disappeared he was described as having brown hair, blue eyes,  and a beard. The media release reported he was last seen wearing a black leather jacket,  purple snake skin pants,  and brown cowboy boots.

THE ARREST

On Sunday, April 26, a Twin Peaks Sheriff’s deputy conducted a pedestrian  check just before 2 a.m . in the area of Crab Flats Road and Green Valley Lake Road in Running Springs.

Once Hoffman  was identified,  the deputy placed him under arrest without incident.

He was transported to West Valley Detention Center and held on $300,000 bail.

Hoffman is scheduled for video arraignment at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 27. (106)

A 33-year-old Sugarloaf man — Gilbert Mesa — has died while in custody after hanging himself in the Big Bear Jail. (File Photo).

By G. T. Houts

Big Bear Lake, CA – Homicide detectives are investigating the in-custody death by suicide of a 33-year-old Sugarloaf man — Gilbert Mesa — while incarcerated in the Big Bear Jail, according to a press release issued by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.

DEADLY WEAPON ARREST

The release reported that on Saturday, March 28, at 1:30 p.m. Mesa arrived at the Big Bear Station to provide a statement regarding an assault with a deadly weapon investigation. Mesa had been named as the suspect. Following the interview, Mesa was arrested and booked into the Big Bear Jail at 477 Summit Boulevard in Big Bear Lake.

At 8:15 p.m., the jail deputy observed Mesa, and Mesa acknowledged the deputy, according to information provided by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.

Thirty-five minutes later, at 8:50 p.m., the jail deputy was conducting his observation logs when he saw Mesa hanging from the top of the bunk, with his shoelaces tied around his neck. Deputies promptly cut the shoelaces from his neck, called for medical aid and began CPR. Fire personnel responded and transported Mesa to Bear Valley Community Hospital.

PASSING OF INMATE

On Sunday, March 29, at 1:30 a.m. Mesa was transferred to Riverside Community Hospital.

Two days later — Tuesday, March 31, at 9:19 p.m. — Mesa was pronounced dead. The Riverside County Coroner conducted an autopsy on Wednesday, April 1.  The cause of death was determined to be Anoxic Encephalopathy due to hanging.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Persons with information regarding the in-custody death investigation are urged to contact Detective Eddie Bachman at (909) 387-3589.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information online on WE-TIP. (502)