Man arrested after allegedly bringing weapons, tactical gear on school property in Twentynine Palms

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) - A 29-year-old man was arrested on Thursday after allegedly being seen with a weapon and tactical gear at Twentynine Palms schools within a week span.

The investigation started Wednesday just after 1:00 p.m. at the school, located along the 74300 block of Playa Vista Drive.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, a concerned parent contacted School Resource Officer (SRO) Deputy A. Stumbo and reported seeing a man putting on tactical gear while on school campus. Deputies immediately initiated their investigation and reviewed school surveillance video. 

Police said the suspect was seen wearing a tactical-style ballistic vest, a law enforcement duty belt, baton, pepper spray, and a firearm.

Authorities added that the investigation also revealed that the suspect was on campus at both Twentynine Palms Junior High School and Twentynine Palms Elementary School wearing the same equipment on Aug. 11.

Deputies coordinated with the Morongo Basin Station Detective Bureau and school officials to identify the suspect's residence and associated vehicles. Detectives authored a search warrant for his Twentynine Palms residence and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On Thursday, just after Noon, prior to serving the search warrant, deputies were notified that the suspect returned to Twentynine Palms Junior High School and attempted to enter the campus while wearing similar tactical gear while armed. 

School staff refused access, immediately notified deputies, and placed the school on lockdown as a precaution to protect students and staff. 

The suspect left the area in a minivan.

Deputies immediately utilized ALPR technology to assist in identifying the suspect's vehicle and determining a possible route of travel. ALPR technology was effectively utilized and the suspect's vehicle was tracked to the area near the school. 

Morongo Basin Station deputies and detectives located his vehicle and conducted a high-risk traffic stop, where the suspect was detained.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of numerous items consistent with the impersonation of a law enforcement officer.  The items included a load-bearing vest equipped with an attached body-worn camera, baton, pepper spray, handcuffs, a taser, badge, and a less-lethal firearm.

In the search warrant service at the suspect's residence, deputies said they discovered three minors residing in the home with the suspect's girlfriend.

"During the search, deputies found the residence to be in extremely unsanitary and deplorable condition, with significant amounts of dirt, debris, and accumulated filth throughout the home," reads a SBCSD news release. "Deputies also observed a substantial and widespread insect infestation, with bugs present throughout the residence, creating an unsafe and unhealthy living environment for the juveniles." 

Due to the severity of the conditions observed, Child and Family Services social workers responded to assist with the investigation, and a willful child endangerment investigation was initiated.

The suspect was arrested and booked into the Morongo Basin Jail, where he remains in custody on $30,000 bail. He faces a charge of Possession of Weapons on School Property. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday in Joshua Tree.

"The safety and security of students, staff, and the school community remain the highest priority for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the Morongo Unified School District.  When circumstances arise that may pose a potential threat to a school campus, deputies and school officials will take immediate and appropriate precautions, including implementing a lockdown when necessary.  These measures are intended to protect students and staff while allowing law enforcement to quickly assess and address any potential threat.  The Sheriff’s Department and school district remain committed to maintaining a safe learning environment and will continue to work closely together to ensure the safety of the school community and the public."

- SBCSD News Release

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may submit a We-Tip at https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites or text “REPORT” to (844) 909-3006.