An early morning heist turned violent ended with three Los Angeles residents behind bars facing serious charges, officials said. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department apprehended Mystic Winston, 24, Jerdale Ruth, 21, and Romel Strahan, 18, after they attempted to burglarize a pharmacy on the 2100 block of Grand Avenue in Chino Hills on Sunday.
The failed burglary, which took a dangerous turn around 5:10 a.m., prompted a quick response from local authorities when a security company, monitored the location remotely. Moments later, as deputies descended on the scene, the trio fled with Ruth, in his haste, throwing a metal wrecking bar at a deputy's head — narrowly missed it before his capture following a brief pursuit on foot.
Winston managed to reach his vehicle, reportedly stolen from Georgia, and engaged in a tussle with a deputy. A parked patrol vehicle was hit and a deputy was dragged for approximately 30 feet as Winston attempted to flee, recounted officials. The chase continued until Winston lost control on the 60 Freeway, near Rowland Heights, and was later captured after resisting arrest.
Inside Winston's vehicle, deputies found a safe and pharmaceuticals believed to be stolen from another burglary, suggesting a spree. The trio now faces an array of charges: Winston is charged with attempted murder, Ruth for assault with a deadly weapon, and Strahan with burglary, providing details for a gripping narrative that could double for a crime thriller.
Sheriff-Coroner Shannon D. Dicus of the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department confirmed the suspects were booked at the West Valley Detention Center and are facing numerous charges. The department announced the arrest details and encouraged anyone with additional information to contact the Chino Hills Police Department or the anonymous We-Tip Hotline.
