Police Blotter: Murder Suspect's Vehicle Located In Colton, May Have Fled To Mexico

The Sun is reporting via their web site that a suspected killer's vehicle was found abandoned in Colton this morning but authorities are still searching for him.

Jesus Macedo, 31, is believed to have fled to Mexico after killing his wife in their Highland home Sunday afternoon, said sheriff's officials.

Macedo's green four-door 1989 Honda Accord was found this morning parked in a bus terminal lot at Mt. Vernon and East Olive avenues in Colton. MORE>>

See previous post about this incident MORE>>

Police Blotter: Youth Strong Arms Skateboard, Threaten To Knock Out Victim

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at about 3:30 PM, four unknown subjects approached the juvenile victim and his friends. Suspect One asked the victim if he could use his skateboard and when the victim complied, the suspect took off with it. The victim gave chase and caught up to the suspect. The victim asked for his skateboard back and the suspect replied, "What do you have in your pockets?"

By this time three other suspects arrived and surrounded the victim. The victim was told by the suspects to turn and leave or they would knock him out. In fear of his safety, the victim no longer pursued the suspects and they fled on foot in an easterly direction then north on Palm.

The suspects are described as follows:

Suspect One: Black male juvenile, five-foot-seven, 13-14 years of age, with a shaved head and thin but muscular build, wearing no shirt and tight blue pants.

Suspect Two: Black male juvenile, six-foot, 16-17 years of age, hair in corn rows, pierced lower lip and dressed in light brown shorts.

Suspect Three: Black male juvenile, five-foot-two, 8-9 years of age, dressed in a black short sleeve shirt and blue pants.

Suspect Four: Black male juvenile, five-foot-two, 8-9 years of age, with shaved head and unknown type of pants.

Persons with information regarding this case may call Deputy P. Gentry at The Highland Police Station at 909-425-9793.

Police Blotter: Wife Found Dead Following Domestic Disturbance, Husband Wanted For Questioning

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on March 29, 2009, at about 3:10 PM, Deputies from the Highland Sheriff’s Station responded to a residence in the 29100 block of Greenspot Road in the city of Highland to check the welfare of the residents following an earlier domestic disturbance at the location. Family members discovered the body of 26-year-old Juanita Macedo inside the residence and called police.

Sheriff’s Homicide detectives are conducting an investigation and are currently looking for the victim’s husband, Jesus Macedo, for questioning.

Jesus Macedo is described as a Hispanic male, 31, 5'-11", 230 pounds, clean shaven and with a shaved or closely-cropped hair style. Macedo may be driving a green four-door 1989 Honda Accord with California license plate 2MQC867. Investigators hope to have a picture available later Monday afternoon. The release indicated Macedo may be en route to Mexico.

A cause of death for the victim will be determined by autopsy to be conducted by the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office.

Anyone with information regarding this matter may call Detective John Gaffney or Sergeant Doug Hubbard with Sheriff's Department Homicide Detail at (909) 387-3589.

Derry Selects Watson As New Chief Of Staff

According to a brief dated 3/27/09 on The Sun's web site:

County Supervisor Neil Derry's pick for his next chief of staff is Sun Metro Editor George Watson.

The Board of Supervisors will vote on the appointment April 7, Derry said.

"George is a top-tier individual," Derry said. "He's ethical. He's highly educated. He's professional. He works very hard. I think he will be a tremendous asset to not only the third district, but the county as a whole."

Watson will replace Jim Erwin, who resigned as Derry's chief of staff earlier this week after being arrested on suspicion of perjury over the disclosure of gifts from a Rancho Cucamonga developer.

Watson is on leave from his role at The Sun.

Courting Controversy, Derry Hires Anti-Immigrant Turner As Chief Of Staff Erwin Resigns

The Press-Enterprise is reporting that San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry hired a controversial anti-illegal immigration activist Tuesday, the same day he announced the resignation of another staff member who has been a lightning rod for criticism in the county.

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted 4-0, with Supervisor Josie Gonzales absent, to ratify the decision to hire Joseph Turner as a special projects coordinator for Derry's 3rd District office, despite protests from some who accuse him of ties to racism.

Derry's chief of staff, Jim Erwin, was arrested Thursday on 10 felony counts of perjury for failing to disclose gifts he received from a land developer. Erwin resigned Monday night. MORE>>

The Southern Poverty Law Center says Turner "May be one of the best things to happen to the Southern California white power community in years — a man whose group is seen as a "Trojan horse" allowing radical infiltration of mainstream politics." MORE>>

Read more about Turner's controversial Save Our State organization on Wikipedia.

With Turner's background, what kind of special projects will Derry have him coordinate?

Highland Resident Was Pilot In Montana Plane Crash

The Press-Enterprise is reporting the pilot of the plane that crashed Sunday near Butte, Montana has been identified as Ellison "Bud" Summerfield, 65, of Highland. Fourteen people died in the crash of the flight that originated earlier in the day from Redlands Municipal Airport. MORE>>

The Sun is also reporting the pilot from Highland. MORE>>

Icing and overloading are issues that are being looked into by the National Transportation Safety Board. The magnitude of the tragedy compelled The New York Times weigh in on the story. MORE>>

image: The New York Times

Police Blotter: Second Suspect Arrested In Slaying

Sheriff's investigators have located and arrested a second suspect in the March 14 slaying of Anthony Vargas.

Numerous tips received at The Highland Sheriff's Station led detectives to a Highland address on Saturday where 19-year-old Marcus Deshawn Perry was located, questioned and arrested, according to Sgt. Frank Bell by phone this morning.

Bell indicated that based on witness reports Perry and Matthew Duronio were the "Primary aggressors" in the incident and detectives had enough information to arrest and book Perry on suspicion of murder in the stabbing of Vargas.

Duronio was previously arrested in the incident.

See previous post about this incident. MORE>>

Police Blotter: Subject Sought For Questioning In Vargas Slaying

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, witness and other involved party statements indicate 19-year-old Marcus Deshon Perry was involved in last weekend's fight in front of 7894 Calle Del Rio Street in the City of Highland, in which Anthony Vargas was stabbed and killed and Chris Basurto was injured.

Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives have made several unsuccessful attempts to locate and speak with Perry about his involvement. Perry has used addresses in Ontario, San Bernardino and Highland. Detectives believe he is aware he is being sought and is avoiding contact. He may be hiding at any one of several friends’ houses.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Marcus Deshon Perry. If someone knows where he can be located, please call Sheriff’s dispatch at (909) 387-8313.

See previous post about this incident. MORE>>

Erwin Claims Arrest "Politically Motivated"

According to a story posted this afternoon on The Press-Enterprise web site, Highland resident Jim Erwin, top aide to San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry, today described his arrest Thursday as a politically motivated prosecution.

"Erwin, 46, said he believes the San Bernardino County district attorney's office targeted him because he and his boss did not support the district attorney's request to be exempted from possible furloughs for county employees.

Erwin offered his resignation to Derry Thursday, but Derry declined to accept it. Erwin, who posted bail and was released from jail in San Bernardino on Thursday night, said his offense should have been addressed by the state Fair Political Practices Commission rather than with criminal charges." MORE>>

White Sentenced to Life w/o Parole in Cee Vee's Slayings

Gunman Christopher White was sentenced today in the 2005 Cee Vee's Liquor store shootings.

Judge Brian McCarville, the only intelligible voice on a video posted by The Press-Enterprise, described the video of the shootings as "one of the most horrific I've ever seen." and imposed the sentence of life without parole.

See previous post about White's conviction for first-degree murder with enhancements. MORE>>

County Supervisor Derry's Staff Chief Erwin Is Arrested, Charged With Perjury, Other Counts

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that the widening criminal probe of the San Bernardino County assessor's office led to the arrest Thursday of Highland resident James Erwin, chief of staff for county Supervisor Neil Derry and a former assistant assessor, on 10 felony counts including "failure to disclose receipt of prostitution and masseuse services." MORE>>

According to a release issued by the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office, Erwin, 46, was arrested Thursday morning without incident at the County Government Center, and was charged with ten felony counts including eight counts of Perjury by Declaration (PC 118) and two counts of Offering a False or Forged Instrument for Filing (PC 115(a). If convicted on all counts, Erwin could receive as much as 11 years in state prison. Bail was set in the amount of $220,000.

The Press-Enterprise has posted PDFs of various documents related to the case with their story. MORE>>

The San Bernardino Sun also weighs in with their story, in which Erwin is accused of failing to report a pricey East Coast trip, a $13,000 Rolex watch and the services of a prostitute paid for by a developer in exchange for helping settle a lawsuit a developer had filed against the county. MORE>>

image: booking photo

Police Blotter: Repossessed Vehicle Retrieved At Gunpoint

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 2:30 AM deputies responded to a disturbance in the 28500 block of Byron Street in the City of Highland. A vehicle was repossessed and towed from the private property. The suspect, 32-year-old Jason Lascola, followed the victim and a verbal confrontation occurred. Lascola pointed a shotgun at the victim, took the vehicle and fled the area.

On Thursday, March 19, 2009, deputies served a search warrant at the suspect’s residence in an attempt to locate the shotgun used during the crime. While serving the search warrant, deputies located several firearms and boxes of ammunition in the Lascola's bedroom. In addition, numerous items of evidence were located inside the bedroom. Five firearms were seized and booked into evidence at the Highland Police Department.

Lascola was last seen driving the 2004 Blue Ford pickup truck, California license number 7U00704. According to family members, he fled to the San Diego area and has not been seen since Tuesday. Lascola is considered Armed and Dangerous.

The investigation is ongoing at this time. Anyone with information about this incident or similar incidents is urged to call Detective Yost at the Highland Police Station (909) 425-9793 or We Tip at 1-(800)-78-CRIME.

Police Blotter: Report Filed With DA, Second Victim ID'd & Both Vehicles Recovered In Fatal Stabbing

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on Tuesday, March 17th, following an extensive investigation, investigators submitted their report to the District Attorney's Office for review. In addition to the murder charge filed against the suspect, Matthew Duronio in the death of Anthony Vargas, an additional charge of attempted murder has been filed against him. During the altercation, a second victim, Chris Basurto, was stabbed in his hand. Basurto was reportedly attempting to help Vargas when the suspect also stabbed Basurto. Investigators have interviewed numerous persons who stated that they witnessed Duronio stabbing both Vargas and Basurto.

Both suspect vehicles have been located and are being processed at the Sheriff's Scientific Invesitgations Division.

Investigators are continuing to ask anyone with information to contact Detective Dave Burgess or Sergeant Frank Bell with Sheriff's Homicide at (909) 387-3589 . Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to contact the We-Tip hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website www.wetip.com.

See previous post about this incident. MORE>>

Police Blotter: Suspect Arrested In Fatal Fight

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, On Sunday, March 15 investigators contacted 20-year-old Matthew Duronio at his residence in San Bernardino after receiving information that he may have been involved in the murder of Anthony Vargas.

Duronio brought investigators to his vehicle, a silver Acura Integra, which was being concealed in a garage on the 7900 block of Valencia Court in Highland. The windows had all been broken out and the driver's side view mirror was missing. The Acura was towed from the residence and taken to Sheriff's Scientific Investigations for processing.

Duronio and his girlfriend, a minor, were brought to Sheriff's Headquarters in San Bernardino and interviewed. The minor was later released to a parent, she is not being charged in relation to the murder. Duronio was booked on suspicion of murder of Anthony Vargas. He is currently being held at the Sheriff's West Valley Detention Center with no bail.

A previous release reported on Saturday, March 14, 2009, deputies from the Highland Police Station responded to a 911 call in the 7800 block of Calle Del Rio Street in the City of Highland.

Upon arrival, deputies located the victim, Anthony Vargas, in the front yard of the residence with injuries to his upper body. Deputies were advised that Vargas was involved in a fight with several unknown suspects. Vargas was transported to Loma Linda Medical Center where he died from his injuries.

The suspects fled the location in two vehicles; a black Toyota Sequoia or similar type SUV with tinted windows, stock wheels and a white sticker affixed to the lower left rear corner of the back window. The second vehicle is described as a Silver Acura Integra with a smashed windshield, broken side window and a side mirror broken off.

Investigators believe there are other parties who were involved in the fight and are anxious to speak with them. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Dave Burgess or Sergeant Frank Bell with Sheriff's Homicide at (909) 387-3589 . Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to contact the We-Tip hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website www.wetip.com.

See previous post about this incident. MORE>>

Police Blotter: Suspects Sought in Fatal Fight

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on Saturday, March 14, 2009, deputies from the Highland Police Station responded to a 911 call in the 7800 block of Calle Del Rio in the City of Highland.

Upon arrival, deputies located the victim, 20-year-old Anthony Vargas, in the front yard of a residence with injuries to his upper body. Deputies were advised that Vargas was involved in a fight with several unknown suspects. Vargas was transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center where he died from his injuries.

Suspects fled the location in two vehicles; a black Toyota Sequoia or similar type SUV with tinted windows, stock wheels and a white sticker affixed to the lower left rear corner of the back window. The second vehicle was described as a Silver Acura Integra with a smashed windshield, broken side window and a side mirror broken off.

Homicide investigators were subsequently called to the location and are currently conducting an investigation. Investigators are requesting anyone with information regarding the suspects and the location of the vehicles to contact Sheriff's dispatch at (909) 387-8313 or Detective Dave Burgess or Sergeant Frank Bell at Sheriff's Homicide at (909) 387-3589 . Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to contact the We-Tip hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or information can be left on the We-Tip website http://www.wetip.com/

Police Blotter: Jolly Boys Liquor Store Burglarized

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on Friday, March 13, 2009, two white males dressed in all black clothing pried open the rear door of the Jolly Boys Liquor Store, located at 7697 Sterling Avenue, and gained access. Suspects activated the alarm as they entered the business, and the alarm company called the business owner, who canceled response due to frequent false alarm calls.

When the business owner arrived on scene and realized the alarm was an actual burglary, he called 911 to report the incident. During the burglary, more than $2500.00 in cigarettes and numerous rolls of scratcher-type lottery tickets were stolen.

Detectives recovered evidence at the scene and the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact the Highland Station Detectives at (909)425-9793.

Police Blotter: Local Pawn Shop Burglarized

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on Friday, March 13, 2009 at 2:29 AM, suspect(s) gained entry to Tony's Jewelry & Loan Pawn Shop, located at 26454 E. Highland Avenue through the roof. Once inside, the suspect(s) removed property from the business. Frightened from the business by patrol units arriving on scene, the suspect(s) fled in a westerly direction.

Detectives recovered evidence from the scene and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact the Highland Station Detectives at 909-425-9793.

Police Blotter: 2nd Arrest In Walker Street Shooting

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, Sheriff’s homicide investigators made a second arrest in the February 1st Walker Street shooting case. Kamran Jahadi, 21 years old, was arrested at his home in Victorville. Jahadi was booked without bail at Central Detention Center on suspicion of Murder and Participation in a Criminal Street Gang, and according to the release is scheduled for arraignment on Friday, March 13, 2009 in San Bernardino Superior Court.

Previously San Bernardino County Homicide Detail arrested Ivan Sanchez on suspicion of murder in the shooting of 19-year-old Frank Galvan. Detectives believe that Galvan was among a group of crashers who was shot shortly after arriving at a party hosted by Sanchez.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detail is urging anyone with information about this crime can contact Detective Zeigler or Sgt Frank Montanez at (909) 387-3589. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact WE-TIP at 1-800 78 CRIME.

New Highland Post Office To Open Monday

According to a card I received in my mailbox today addressed to "Postal Customer," On Monday, March 16 at 9:00 AM, the Highland Post Office will open at its new location, 7745 Boulder Avenue, Highland CA 92346.

Moving into the new Retail Post Office will begin on Saturday, March 14. Retail services will not be available and P.O. Box mail will be available for pick up only until 12 noon on Saturday at the former location, 26940 Base Line Full retail and P.O. Box services will resume again on Monday morning at the new location.

Storm Cowell, Highland Postmaster, remarked on the card:

"We apologize for this temporary inconvenience, however we think you'll appreciate conducting business in the new, larger space. The P.O. Box and retail lobby will be updated to make your visit a pleasant one. Thank you for your understanding."

According to a calendar listing on their web site, the Highland Area Chamber of Commerce is planning a ribbon-cutting program at 9:00 AM at the new post office location.

LifeStream Plans Open Blood Drive March 23

LifeStream, the new name for Blood Bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, has scheduled an Open Blood Drive on Monday, March 23, 2009 at the Highland Family YMCA, located at 7793 Central Avenue in Highland. Collection hours are from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

If you are interested in organizing a blood drive for your community, please call 1.800.TRY GIVING (1.800.879.4484) for more information.

image: Tri-County Red Cross

P-E Purge: 40 Positions Cut At The Press-Enterprise

In a brief attributed to business writer Jack Katzanek online late Friday and in print on Saturday, The Press-Enterprise reports it laid off some 40 workers last week, more than half in the news department, due to a precipitous decline in ad revenues.  Ron Redfern, chief executive officer and publisher, stated:


"Like every company in our business, we continue to see revenues erode, and the corporation has seen revenues erode considerably. The determination was made we had to make cuts across the board."

The brief indicated this was the second round of layoffs at The Press-Enterprise in less than five months. About 30 employees were laid off in October after about 120 previously took voluntary buyouts. Redfern said future decisions on staffing levels would be on a month-to-month basis.

Veteran newsman/blogger Gary Scott lists the departed.


This after Dallas-based parent company A. H. Belo Corp. CEO Robert Decherd was awarded a raise in base salary from $250,000 to $600,000 in December. MORE>>

image: The Press-Enterprise