In a chilling pre-dawn home invasion on Valentine's Day, a gunman identified as Andrew Sexton, 34, forced his way into a Rialto home, terrorizing the inhabitants before opening fire. The Fontana Sheriff's Deputies responded to distress calls at around 12:30 a.m. on the 19000 block of Oakland Avenue, from a residence shaken by gunfire. The suspect, however, had vanished into the night by the time law enforcement arrived. Sexton, who was armed and in search of his estranged girlfriend and their infant, who wasn't home, threatened the family members present before discharging his weapon multiple times inside the house, as reported by the SBSD - Fontana Sheriff's Department.
Investigators from the Fontana Sheriff's Station took the lead on the case, putting together a network of surveillance across various locations, hoping to catch the elusive Sexton who was known to have a history of violence. Their break came nearly a week later when on February 21, Sexton was spotted entering an apartment on the 2900 block of Loma Avenue in San Bernardino. With the potential for violence looming, the Sheriff's Department Specialized Enforcement Division aided in the surveillance, and a search warrant was executed seamlessly, leading to his arrest. "All victims involved in this investigation are safe, including the infant," said the Sheriff's Department.
Following the arrest, Sexton found himself behind bars at the Central Detention Center, facing charges of home invasion and assault with a firearm. The successful apprehension served as a somber reminder of the threats that can lurk in the quiet of suburban life. The Sheriff's Department has encouraged the public to come forward with any additional information concerning the harrowing incident, as per the SBSD - Fontana Sheriff's Department.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact investigators at the Fontana Sheriff's Station, the department stressed, as they continue to ensure the safety of their residents. Callers wishing to remain anonymous have been directed to the We-Tip Hotline for secure, confidential tips. The case, marked under the number 032400492, remains open as deputies continue to sift through the aftereffects of the terror inflicted that night.
