Monday, April 25, 2011

Police Blotter: Highland Deputy Arrested For Lewd Acts w/Minor

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on Friday, April 22, 2011, the Sheriff's Department received information that a deputy may have had inappropriate sexual relations with a female minor. Sheriff's officials notified the Crimes Against Children Detail who immediately began an investigation.

Numerous interviews were conducted and based upon evidence collected, Nathan Gastineau, a 30-year-old resident of Redlands, was arrested later that evening at 9:00 p.m. for PC288 Lewd Acts with a Minor. He was booked into West Valley Detention Center with bail set at $25,000.00.

Nathan Gastineau has been a deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for the past 10 years and is assigned to the Highland Station. He is currenly out on bail and on administrative leave pending the completion of the investigation.

This investigation is on-going. No other information will be released to protect the identity of the victim.

****UPDATE*****

Following further investigation, on Monday, April 25th at approximately 9:00 p.m., Investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Crimes Against Children Detail arrested Jason Anguiano for PC 261.5(a) Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor and PC 12020 (a)(1) Possession of a Dangerous Weapon.

Investigators served a search warrant and recovered evidence at Anguiano’s residence in the City of Rialto. Anguiano was arrested without incident, transported and booked into the Central Detention Center; he was later released on bail.

Jason Anguiano is not an employee of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Police Blotter: Highland Man Among Two Arrested In Fatal Weekend Stabbing

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, two men, including one from Highland, have been arrested in the weekend stabbing death of a San Bernardino man.

on Sunday, April 17, 2011, at approximately 11:23 p.m., deputies from Central Station were dispatched to the 7200 block of Tippecanoe Avenue in San Bernardino regarding several 911 emergency calls.

Deputies arrived to find 36-year-old George Briones in the yard of a residence with an apparent stab wound to his upper body. Medical aid responded to the scene and transported Briones to Loma Linda University Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries about an hour later.

Two male subjects located near the scene, on Tippecanoe near Pacific. During the investigation, detectives discovered evidence linking them to the murder. William Shoopman, age 26 of Highland, and Angel Rosales, age 21 of San Bernardino, were arrested and booked into Central Detention Center for the murder of George Briones. Both are being held without bail.

Sheriff’s Homicide detectives are conducting the investigation. An autopsy will be conducted at a later date to determine the cause of death.

Anyone with any information regarding this investigation is urged to call Detective William Doemner or Sergeant Brad Toms at (909) 387-3598 at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Detail reference case #011101404. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or leave information on the We Tip website at www.wetip.com.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Police Blotter: Highland Resident Arrested In Recent Armed Robbery Spree

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, a Highland resident has been arrested in a string of armed robberies at numerous fast food restaurants.

On Tuesday, March 12, 2011 at 10:36 a.m., the Subway in Loma Linda was robbed at gunpoint by a black male adult wearing a black hoodie, dark pants and a black bandana covering part of his face. The suspect fled on foot and was not located.

Sheriff’s investigators began discussing this case with investigators from Redlands Police and realized that there were several open robbery cases with a similar suspect description and method of operation in Sheriff’s Department jurisdiction as well as surrounding agencies. A briefing was scheduled for Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at Sheriff’s Central Station and all local law enforcement agencies with similar cases were invited.

On Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. during the scheduled briefing, an armed robbery had just occurred at Wendy’s Restaurant on Baseline Ave. in Highland. The suspect description, a black male adult, wearing a black hoodie, dark pants and a black bandana covering his face, was similar to all the other reports. In this case, a vehicle description was obtained. The vehicle description, a Nissan Cube, green in color, was shared with all local law enforcement agencies.
Investigators from several agencies responded to the location and developed several investigative leads, including surveillance footage, physical evidence and witness statements.

At approximately 4:00 p.m., a Highland patrol deputy saw the suspect vehicle in the area of Baseline Ave. and Victoria Ave. in Highland and made a felony traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as Highland resident Nathaniel Dawson, age 45. Dawson was taken into custody without incident.

Two search warrants were served in San Bernardino and Highland and numerous items of evidence were recovered. A handgun, similar to the one used in the robberies was also recovered.
Currently, Dawson is linked to approximately 20 robberies, from Redlands to Ontario.

Dawson was booked at West Valley Detention Center on charges of Attempted Murder and Robbery. He is scheduled for arraignment on Friday, April 15, 2011 in San Bernardino Superior Court.

The investigation is continuing and anyone with information is urged to contact their local law enforcement agency or callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or www.wetip.com

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Police Blotter: Shooting Suspect Arrested

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, following a shooting on April 2, 2011 at approximately 11:23 p.m. near the 26000 block of Baseline Street in the City of Highland, the suspect was identified as Colton resident Ronald McFoy, age 29. The case was reviewed by the District Attorney's Office and a warrant for McFoy was issued for Attempted Murder.

On April 7, 2011, the Highland Police Gang Team developed information that McFoy was in the City of Rialto. The Highland Police Gang Team, together with the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department's Gang Team, located and arrested McFoy. He was booked at the West Valley Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of $1,000,000.00 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, April 11, 2011.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Police Blotter: Transient Arrested In Attempt Kidnap & Rape Of Female Juvenile

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at about 7:00 a.m., a male transient approached a female juvenile as she walked to school. The suspect attempted to engage the victim in conversation and followed her for several blocks. He then physically grabbed and forced himself upon the victim in the front yard of a Fisher Street residence. As the victim struggled with her assailant, the resident of the home emerged and the suspect ran away.

Highland deputies were called to the scene and an investigation was initiated. Several hours later 24-year-old Raffi Lanman was taken into custody in the area of Sterling Avenue and 9th Street.

Lanman was booked at the West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of Kidnapping and Attempted Rape and is being held on $250,000 bail. He is scheduled for arraignment on Friday, April 8, 2011 in San Bernardino Superior Court.

Investigators said this is a completely random attack and the possibility exists that there may be additional victims. Anyone with information about this crime or similar crimes is urged to contact Detective Peterson at the Highland Police Department, 909/425-9793, ref. Case #131101482.

Later The San Bernardino Sun reported Lanman was arrested by Redlands Police the previous day after he was found hiding in a women's restroom.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Police Blotter: Man Wounded On Base Line

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on April 2, 2011, at approximately 11:23 p.m., Highland deputies received a report of a man down. Deputies heard gunshots and discovered the unidentified victim shot near the 26000 block of Baseline Street. The victim stated an unknown black male fired multiple times at him while he was walking then fled the scene in an unknown vehicle.

The victim sustained one gunshot wound to his buttocks and was transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center. The Highland Gang Team is currently conducting an investigation into the shooting.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective A. Garcia at the Highland Police Station (909) 425-9793. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip website at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Police Blotter: Rialto Teacher, Former Highland Resident, Arrested Over Child Porn

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, on Tuesday, March 29, 2011, Rialto Police Department received information that suggested Michael J. Edmondson, age 32, was furnishing narcotics to juveniles and may be in possession of child pornography. It was determined that the crimes occurred between October 2010 and February 2011 in the Highland area, at Edmondson’s former residence. The Sheriff’s Crimes Against Children Detail was called to investigate.

The San Bernardino County Sun is reporting Edmondson is a social studies and drama teacher at Frisbie Middle School in Rialto.

On March 30, 2011, Sheriff’s Investigators made contact with a male juvenile who is believed to be a victim. The juvenile disclosed that Edmondson provided him with illegal narcotics and requested the victim send him video and photos of his genital area. Later that day, Investigators made contact with Edmondson and served a search warrant at his home in Rancho Cucamonga. At the conclusion of the interview, Edmondson was arrested and booked at Central Detention Center and bail was set at $100,000.

Investigators recovered computer equipment and other electronic devices at Edmondson’s home. The evidence collected will be sent to the Sheriff’s Hi-Tech Crime Detail for forensic examination.

Edmondson is scheduled for arraignment on Monday, April 4, 2011 in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court.

Investigators believe there could be other victims and urge anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Crimes Against Children Detail, Detective Tyson Niles at (909)387-3615.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

From The Sun: Highland Flood Victims May Receive Tax Breaks

The San Bernardino Sun is reporting that Highland homeowners whose homes were damaged by storms in December may be eligible for federal tax breaks going back to 2009:

..."By amending their 2009 tax return to claim disaster losses from 2010, homeowners may qualify for additional deductions under the National Disaster Relief Act of 2008," said Insurance Information Network of California Executive Director Candysse Miller. "The relief act allows all taxpayers, not just those who itemize, to claim a deduction for catastrophe losses regardless of their income level"...

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Police Blotter: Meth Lab Bust Nets 4 Suspects

On March 3, 2010, at approximately 1:00 p.m., the Highland Gang Team, along with the San Bernardino County Gang Intelligence Team, served a search warrant in the 25700 block of 7th Street, Highland, in reference to narcotic activity.

The search warrant was served at the residence, and deputies located a methamphetamine lab inside the garage. The San Bernardino County Narcotics Division was requested and responded to the location to conduct the methamphetamine lab investigation. In addition to the meth lab, four guns, ammunition, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were taken from the residence. One of the guns, a shotgun, was found to be stolen out of the city of Highland.

During the service of the search warrant, John McMahon, age 58 of Fontana, was located at the residence and was found to be a parolee at large. Katrina Ganey, age 21, April Olney, age 24, and Cynthia Gregory, age 60, all residents of Highland, were subsequently arrested for HS 11379.6 manufacturing methamphetamine.

The residence was deemed uninhabitable and Child Protective Services responded to the location and took custody of two children that were living in the home.

McMahon was also found to be in possession of guns and ammunition, therefore, he had additional charges of PC 12021, felon in possession of firearms, and PC 12316(b), felon in possession of ammunition.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective A. Garcia at the Highland Police Station (909) 425-9793. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip website at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com

Saturday, February 5, 2011

From The Sun: Highland Man Arrested, Suspected Of DUI in Fatal Collision

The San Bernardino Sun is reporting the arrest of a Highland man on suspicion of driving under the influence following fatal traffic collision Thursday on the 210 Freeway.

"Officers arrested Russell Hanson, 32, of Highland on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter.  Hanson was driving a 2007 GMC Yukon east on the 210 Freeway near Del Rosa Avenue when it crashed into a 1994 Lincoln Town Car that had stopped on the right shoulder, authorities said.  The impact of the 9:53 PM crash was so intense, officers used a tow truck to pull apart the mangled vehicles before firefighters could get to the occupants."

From The Sun: Highland Man Arrested in Burglaries

The San Bernardino Sun is reporting one man from Highland and another from Upland have been arrested on suspicion of stealing expensive leather goods last year from a Lake Arrowhead store.

"William Maurice Hart, 41, of Highland, and Steven James Brewer, 27, of Upland, are suspected in a pair of break-ins at the Coach Factory Store, in Lake Arrowhead Village, according to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release.  A window was smashed Dec. 23 at Coach and $12,000 worth of merchandise was taken. On Feb. 24, the door was forced open at the same store, and several thousand dollars worth of handbags and wallets were taken."

Sunday, January 30, 2011

USGS Webcam Shows City Creek In Real Time

This United States Geological Service (USGS) wireless webcam is a self-sufficient, solar-and-battery powered system. The webcam is located downstream of the USGS stream-gaging station on City Creek near Highland. This station provides continuous monitoring of certain river conditions such as flow and stage. The webcam provides valuable information to the National Weather Service, first-responders, and area residents to evaluate real-time conditions in the creek channel during storms. The visual record of flooding and potential debris flows also provides valuable research data for the USGS. This webcam installation is part of the USGS Multi-Hazards Demonstration Project.

From The Sun: Friends, Family Bid Farewell To Pauline "Dimples" Murillo

The San Bernardino Sun has reported the passing and burial of Pauline "Dimples" Murillo, tribal elder of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.  Murillo, 76, died January 21 at Loma Linda University Medical Center and was laid to rest this past Friday at San Manuel Cemetery.

Police Blotter: Robbery Suspect Makes Off W/ Phone

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, On Friday, January 28, at 3:00am, a deaf victim had his phone stolen while texting with it.

A Hispanic male suspect approached the victim walking south in 7400 block of Sterling Avenue, stole the phone from the victim's hand and fled northbound.

Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to contact Deputy Laren Leichliter  at 909/425-9793 or We Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME.

Monday, January 24, 2011

From The Sun: Burglar Arrested Inside 97¢ Store

According to a story on The San Bernardino Sun's website, a burglary suspect who broke into a 97¢ Store earlier today was arrested after deputies located him hiding inside the business.

"Henry Farnsworth, 35, of Highland was booked into Central Detention Center in San Bernardino on suspicion of burglary.  San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies came to the business at 26498 Base Line Road at 3:03 a.m. The glass on the front door had been smashed and the iron bars were cut.  Deputies entered the store and found a coin machine that had been pried open and its locks had been cut. They found Farnsworth hiding between cardboard boxes in a back room. He had bolt cutters, a screw driver and a flashlight in his backpack."

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Police Blotter: Patton Nurse Busted With Child Porn

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, a tech-nurse at Patton State Hospital was arrested recently for possession of child pornography.

An investigation in December revealed Thomas Myers, age 49 of Yucaipa, was bringing his personal cell phone on hospital grounds, a violation of policy, and sharing inappropriate images of women with patients and co-workers. Hospital police discovered video that appeared to be child pornography on the device and alerted the Sheriff's Department.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Depart Crimes Aganst Children detail and deputies from the Yucaipa Station served a search warrant at Myer's home where they recovered computers and other electronic storage devices to examine for any additional child pornography. Myers was interviewed about the crime, then transported and booked in to the Central Detention Center for PC 311.1(a) - Possession of Obscene Matter/Child Pornography. Bail was set at $25,000.00.

Investigators do not believe the images on Myers' cell phone are of anyone currently undergoing treatment at the facility and the child pornography appears to have been taken from the Internet.

Anyone with any additional information about this case should contact Det. T Niles or Sgt. R. Lomeli with Crimes Against Children detail at 909-387-3615. Those wishing to remain anonymous can leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or online at www.wetip.com.

From The Sun: Derry Explains Opposition To Gonzales

The San Bernardino Sun has followed their reporting of Supervisor Josie Gonzales election as Chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors with a Point of View piece by Supervisor Neil Derry explaining his opposition.


"Supervisor Josie Gonzales, while exceedingly cordial and kind on a personal level, has repeatedly opposed my attempts to increase government transparency and accountability, advance governmental reforms and roll back lavish benefit packages for elected officials and judges. She has been openly hostile toward my efforts to establish an ethics commission and pass a Sunshine Ordinance that would ensure that the taxpayers of this county may view all credit card expenditures and other assorted expenses by their government."


From The Sun: Derry Opposes Gonzales As Supes Chair

The San Bernardino Sun is reporting the recent election of Josie Gonzales to chair the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors was opposed by two fellow board members.  Both Brad Mitzelfelt and Neil Derry voted against Gonzales for the leadership role.

"Derry said he could not support Gonzales, who has served on the board since 2004, because she was linked to a federal probe of the county's Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton and has opposed nearly every governmental reform he has proposed since he took office in 2008."

Sunday, January 16, 2011

From The P-E: Ramos Sworn As State School Board's First Native American

The Press-Enterprise is reporting San Manuel Chairman James Ramos was sworn in Monday to the state Board of Education, becoming the first American Indian to serve on the school policymaking panel.

From The Sun: December Flooding Seen As Avoidable

The San Bernardino Sun is reporting that residents of a neighborhood flooded on December 22 have been asking the City of Highland for a block wall on Summertrail Place at Highland Avenue since 2004.

"Mayor Larry McCallon said the Planning Commission considered capping Summertrail Place off at Highland Avenue but opted not to because it would leave the neighborhood with too few points of entry and exit."

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Fees Waived, NPG Program Expanded Following Storms

According to a post-storm progress report on City of Highland's website, the City Council met in an emergency meeting on December 30th and approved waiving city charges for Planning, Engineering, Building & Safety, and related Development Impact Fees for repairs to structures damaged by the flooding, mud and debris flows.

In addition, the boundaries of the Highland Redevelopment Agency's Neighborhood Pride Grant (NPG) Program have been expanded to include the Village area. This program offers loans of up to $25,000 for owner occupied properties. The loans will be forgiven over a 5-year period if the property remains occupied by the owner as their principal place of residence.

For more about NPG Program contact Kim Stater at (909) 864-6861 x204.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Fantastic Planet TV's Clever Aerial Video of Highland



Found this clever aerial video of Highland on a YouTube channel called Fantastic Planet TV.  City Creek, Hwy. 210 and Central Park are clearly visible. What other landmarks do you recognize?

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Ramos Appointed to State Board of Education

James Ramos, Chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and a member of the San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees, has been appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown to the California State Board of Education.

Brown's seven new appointees, according to an announcement on the Los Angeles Times' website, represents a significant shift the panel's make-up in age, geography and educational background.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

ALERT: Hwy. 330 Closed Indefinitely


According to CalTrans District 8 website, Hwy. 330 between Highland and Running Springs is closed indefinitely due to storm damage to the roadway.

A major portion of the road between the lower passing lane and the turnoff for 1N09 to Manzanita Flats shooting area has washed out and the ground continues to be unstable. Engineers are currently assessing the damage and motorists are asked to use SR 38 or SR 18 as alternate routes.

As recently as Wednesday, The San Bernardino Sun reported CalTrans District 8 Director Ray Wolfe indicated repairs may take two years, but Thursday The Sun reported Wolfe hoped his agency could repair the road in half that time.  What a difference a day makes!

Mark Muckenfuss, staff writer/columnist for The Press-Enterprise, has written a column about the history of Hwy. 330.

Click here to see additional CalTrans photos of the damage.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Police Blotter: Two Arrested For Mail Theft

According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, a 35-year-old woman and her 17-year-old male accomplice were arrested early Tuesday when they were found in possession of stolen mail belonging to residents of evacuated areas in Highland.


On Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 2:28 a.m., Deputy Walter Peraza from the Rancho Cucamonga Station sat in a Highland City patrol car guarding the evacuated homes on Autumn Chase in the City of Highland.
 Peraza observed a suspicious vehicle drive into the area and made contact with two subjects that had quickly pulled into a driveway of a house and were walking towards the residence.


The female driver, Amanda Nieblas, was arrested after Peraza found she had numerous outstanding warrants. During the arrest, deputies searched the vehicle and located burglary tools and stolen mail belonging to evacuated residences on Autumn Chase, as well as other houses in the area.


Nieblas was booked at Central Detention Center with a $425,000. bail. The juvenile was cited and released to a parent. All of the victims of the mail theft have been contacted and the outstanding mail has been returned.

Police Chief Dave Williams said that he was thankful for Peraza's keen observations and felt that Highland's decision to continue the extra patrol positions paid dividends to these citizens already hard hit by the recent mud slides. Williams cautions all citizens that mail theft is a widespread crime and that everyone should do all they can to minimize exposure of both incoming and out going mail.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact Sgt. Hector Gomez at the Highland Police Station at (900)425-9793. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or www.wetip.com.