A routine traffic stop in Apple Valley spiraled into an hours-long standoff leading to the arrest of a previously convicted felon after he was caught with a firearm and ammunition.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department reported that on April 10, deputies attempted to pull over a 2002 Jaguar after noticing it had license plates registered to a 2015 Volkswagen. The occupants of the vehicle, identified as Jeff Sweat, a 39-year-old from Apple Valley, and Andrea Miller, 38, initially refused to comply with law enforcement directives, as reported by the SBSD - Apple Valley Police Department.
Miller eventually surrendered after one hour, but Sweat remained defiant inside the vehicle. A prolonged negotiation ensued, lasting for nearly two more hours. Despite the deployment of less lethal irritants and a Taser, Sweat continued to resist. Ultimately, he was apprehended by authorities.
According to the SBSD - Apple Valley Police Department, a subsequent search of the Jaguar revealed an AR-15 style rifle, high-capacity magazines, and a cache of ammunition. Sweat faces charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and felon in possession of ammunition. Miller, on the other hand, received a citation for resisting officers and was released with a court date.
The Sheriff-Coroner of San Bernardino County, Shannon D. Dicus, urges anyone with further information to come forward and contact the Apple Valley station or the Sheriff's dispatch. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the We-Tip Hotline or its website.
