According to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department news release, Allan Gomez, 20 years of age, (pictured), and a 16-year-old Hispanic female have been arrested in relation to robbery and beating of a local pastor.On December 6, 2008, Pastor James Warman was beaten and robbed while hanging Christmas decorations at the Church of the Valley on Baseline in Highland. Warman was hospitalized for over a week with head trauma. The suspects at the time were described as two Hispanic male adults between the age of 19 and 25 years old.
During the investigation, detectives discovered Warman’s credit cards had been used to make several online purchases, some less than 2 hours after the attack. Warrants were obtained to search the location where the purchases originated.
On December 22, 2008, at about 2:00 p.m., Deputies from the Highland Station and members of the Sheriff’s Department’s Gang Team served a search warrant at a residence in the 7400 block of Hillview Street in Highland. Several items of evidence were recovered connecting Gomez and his juvenile girlfriend to Pastor Warman’s property and use of his credit cards.
Gomez was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property, fraudulent use of a credit card, and a probation violation. He was booked into the Central Detention Center where he is being held without bail. The juvenile was arrested and booked into Juvenile Hall on suspicion of receiving stolen property, fraudulent use of a credit card and is also being held without bail.
Detectives continue to investigate and gather additional evidence regarding Gomez’ connection to the robbery and attempted murder of Warman, as well as trying to identify and locate the second suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detectives Peterson or Yost at the Highland Police Department (909) 425-9793 or telephone WE-TIP at 1-800-782-7463.
