A 44-year-old San Bernardino man allegedly impersonating a firefighter has been arrested at the Lake Fire Incident Command Center at Big Bear High School. (File Photo)
By G. T. Houts
Sugarloaf, CA – At approximately 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the Lake Fire for perimeter patrol and security of evacuated areas observed a white Crown Victoria driving into affected areas that were closed by road blocks.
David Anthony Battle (Contributed Photo)
SUBJECT CONTACT
Approximately 15 minutes later the vehicle was located at the Incident Command Post in the parking lot at Big Bear High School. Deputies made contact with the subject in the vehicle, and identified him as Battle.
At the time of contact, Battle could not provide proper fire department identification. Upon further inspection, deputies noticed that the tires on the vehicle were bald. A records check revealed that the California exempt license plates on the vehicle had been stolen. Deputies ran the vehicle VIN, and determined that the vehicle had been stolen from San Bernardino approximately two weeks earlier.
VEHICLE CHECK
The white Crown Victoria driven by David Battle. (Contributed Photo)
A stolen handgun was also found in the vehicle. Battle was found to be on felony probation for a previous charge of grand theft auto.
THE ARREST
Battle was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Big Bear Jail on felony charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and carrying a stolen loaded firearm.
Battle remains in custody at West Valley Detention Center in lieu of $50,000 bail, with an arraignment hearing set for Tuesday in San Bernardino County Superior Court.
ASSISTANCE REQUESTED
Individuals recognizing Battle or his vehicle and has had contact with him where he represented himself as an official member of a fire department or law enforcement agency is requested to contact Detective Jim Wijnhamer at (909) 866-0100, Detective Lance Stuart at (909) 890-4840, or Cal Fire Captain Jack Markle at (909) 881-6922.
Information can also be reported anonymously by calling WE-TIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at WE-TIP. (58)