Gary Michael Simrak, 49, who was sought by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station on a variety of drug charges is now in custody. (File Photo)
By G.T. Houts
UPDATE: Friday, May 22 – 11:20 a.m.
San Bernardino, CA – Most Wanted subject Gary Michael Simrak, 49, is now in custody at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino. Bail has been set at $75,000. He was wanted by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station on a variety of drug-related charges.
THE ARREST
At about 5:20 p.m. on May 21, the Highland Sheriff’s Station received a hit on a stationary Automatic License Plate Reader on a stolen 2009 Scion. Shortly thereafter, the unoccupied vehicle was located and recovered in the parking lot at San Manuel Casino.
At 7:05 p.m., San Manuel Tribal Police notified the Central Sheriff’s Station that they had Gary Simrak and a female identified as 26-year-old Justina Bowden detained for questioning as potential suspects in connection with the stolen vehicle.
Deputies responded and determined that both Simrak and Bowden were wanted on outstanding warrants.
Simrak and Bowden were taken into custody and booked into Central Detention Center on their warrants.
Detectives continue their investigation to determine if Simrak or Bowden were involved in the vehicle theft.
ORIGINAL STORY
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. (413)