Tag Archives: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department

Sheriff Warns of False Kidnapping Scams

Staff Reports

San Bernardino County – Last week, several victims in various cities in the County of San Bernardino have received phone calls from unknown suspect(s), claiming their child/children had been abducted.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is warning the public of these alleged kidnapping phone scams that are on the rise. These scams target parents to extort money from them claiming that they have and will harm their children.

According to Sheriff’s reports, the suspect(s) have threatened to harm or kill the child/children if the victim did not cooperate with their demands. The suspect(s) have personal knowledge of the intended victim(s), including their children’s names. The suspect(s) claims they are monitoring police scanners and would know if law enforcement was notified.

During a couple of the scam calls, the suspect(s) used a child as a decoy, having the child cry and beg for help over the phone. The suspect(s) directed the victims to remain on the phone, proceed directly to a bank and withdraw funds. The suspect(s) instructed the victims to go to a money transfer location and wire the money to them. The suspect(s) kept the victim on the telephone during the entire transaction.
Sheriff’s have no verified kidnappings to date. If a similar call is received, immediately call 911 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at 909-387-8313 or 760-956-5001 and, verify the whereabouts of your child/children. If you have information regarding the suspects involved in this activity, please contact Sheriff’s Dispatch.

SBC Sheriff Celebrates New Training Center

Photo Courtesy of S.B.C.S.

Photo Courtesy of S.B.C.S.
SB County Sheriff John McMahon cuts the ceremonial red ribbon at the grand re-opening of the Frank Bland Regional Training Center in Devore on Oct. 22.

By Monique Valadez

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY – The San Bernardino County Sheriff Department officially unveiled its new, expanded training center Thursday, Oct. 22 at a dedication ceremony led by Sheriff John McMahon.

The Frank Bland Regional Training Center in Devore is a completely new building, having been rebuilt on the spot where their old center stood last August before it was demolished. The new facility expanded to a 4,000-square-foot administrative building that includes training classrooms with upgraded tech tools.
“The improvements symbolize many great things: the legacy of those whose vision we carried, tremendous support and collaboration between the CEO, County Board of Supervisors, and the Sheriff’s Department; and our commitment to providing quality service to our communities by enhancing our capacity to deliver professional training,” said Sheriff Captain Darren Goodman.

According to sheriff officials, training staff now has office space necessary to conduct their daily administrative tasks in close proximity of the classrooms and have a view of the physical training field. Classrooms were increased to provide additional space for larger academy classes with state of the art digital technology to deliver one of the state’s top recognized training academies.

Providing basic training for new recruits since 1973, the new center is already taking full advantage of its new digs. As of Oct. 5, the 200th academy began with recruits who will receive 26 weeks of training.

The new center brings additional space for larger academy classes for aspiring sheriffs throughout the state, boasting an average of 300 graduates each year in the academy programs.

“Our basic academy is one of few “intensive delivery” programs still operating in the state,” sheriff officials said. “We believe the emphasis on discipline, stress and real-world scenarios helps develop a well-rounded officer, better prepared to handle the challenges of a law enforcement career.”
In addition to the administrative building and classroom upgrades, several improvements were made to the firearms ranges.

“Our high standards, professionalism, and commitment to excellence contribute to the constant demand for training our facility receives from agencies throughout the county and state,” sheriff officials state in a press release.

The 800-acre training center also holds an eight-mile Emergency Vehicle Operations Center, one of the largest outdoor ranges in the region. Five 50-yard ranges, a Trap and Skeet range, and a 300-yard rifle range for multiple firearms training.
“From constantly seeking the most relevant and useful tactics, to the newest state of the art technology, the Training Center’s mission will always be to prepare today’s officers for tomorrow’s challenges,” Goodman added.

Chino Valley: Stay Safe This Fourth Of July Holiday

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – The Chino Valley Fire District wants to remind residents that fireworks of any kind are prohibited in the city of Chino Hills, and that only State Fire Marshal approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks can be used in the city of Chino.

“Safe and Sane” fireworks do not fly or blow up and are registered with the California State Fire Marshal as a “Safe and Sane” firework.  In the city of Chino, these fireworks can only be used or possessed in residential areas from noon on July 1 through midnight July 4, and not on school grounds, parking lots, commercial areas or parks.  No fireworks of any kind are permitted in Chino Hills and in the unincorporated County areas.  Also, fireworks are not permitted in the city of Chino in the area south of Pine Avenue and in the area east of Euclid Avenue between Merrill and Kimball avenues.

The Chino Valley Fire District, Chino Police Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department/Chino Hills Police Department will be enforcing zero tolerance for illegal fireworks.  The penalty for using illegal fireworks is up to a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail.  Parents/guardians will be held liable for any fire suppression costs, damages or injuries caused by their children’s use of fireworks.

The Chino Valley Fire District encourages residents to enjoy the various professional fireworks shows scheduled throughout the county.  Below are some helpful tips for the use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

  • Always read and follow the directions
  • Have an adult supervise all fireworks activities
  • Buy from a reliable fireworks vendor
  • Ignite fireworks outside and have a water source available
  • Never experiment with fireworks, modify fireworks or try to make fireworks of your own
  • Ignite fireworks one at a time
  • Never reignite malfunctioning fireworks
  • Store unused fireworks in a cool, dry place
  • Never throw fireworks or carry them in your pocket

For additional information regarding fireworks, visit www.chinovalleyfire.org.

Sheriff’s HOPE

Positive Change, Not Spare Change

Image Courtesy: SBSD

Image Courtesy: SBSD

Staff Reports

San Bernardino County – The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department HOPE (Homeless Outreach and Proactive Enforcement) Team is launching the “Positive Change, Not Spare Change” community awareness campaign. The goal of this campaign is to educate the public on those asking for spare change or holding “Homeless” signs seeking help.
Statistics demonstrate that 65% of panhandlers are not homeless.  When you provide money to a panhandler you may be contributing to a drug or alcohol addiction.
Legitimate homeless service providers can channel your donation to real solutions for moving people beyond homelessness.  Signs, posters, flyers, and bumper stickers will be posted throughout the county and are available to anyone who wishes to support this effort.
If you are interested in obtaining promotional materials, please contact HOPE at (909) 387-0623, or toll free at (844) 811-HOPE (4673).  You can also email your request to HOPE@sbcsd.org.

Murder In Victorville

Photo Courtesy: DMV Murder victim, Alberto “Jimmy” Felix

Photo Courtesy: DMV Murder victim, Alberto “Jimmy” Felix

By Claire Lewis

Victorville – On Tues., Mar. 17, deputies from the Victorville Police Department received a report on a possible missing person.  Alberto “Jimmy” Felix, 34, of Victorville, had not been seen or heard from since that previous Sunday.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the suspicious nature of the investigation led detectives to involve the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigation Division.  On Wed., Mar. 18, they looked into a residence in the 14300 block of Cactus Drive in Victorville.

At that time, evidence suggested that Felix had been murdered.  The Specialized investigators and homicide personnel worked with the Sheriff’s Aviation Division, using both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters to investigate leads and specific locations, and their diligence soon paid off.

On Thurs., May 21, the Team served a search warrant at an Apple Valley residence, where they were led to a shallow grave in the desert, just northwest of the Town of Apple Valley.  Human remains were found and recovered from the grave.

On Fri., May 22, those remains were positively identified as Felix; an autopsy is in progress to determine the cause of death.

Suspects Zachary Barron, 23, of Victorville, and Anthony Tapia, 32 of Apple Valley, were arrested for the murder of Felix, and booked into the High Desert Detention Center without bail.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Ed De La Torre or Sergeant Robert Warrick at (909) 387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.