In a routine check turned major bust, a San Bernardino County traffic stop has netted two suspects, one with a little too much to hide. A sheriff's deputy patrolling in Grand Terrace pulled over a vehicle with expired tags on May 22, only to quickly find himself in a foot chase and a double arrest scenario. The suspects involved, Chad Johnson, 35, of Fontana, and Erik Lemus, 38, of Grand Terrace, are now facing serious firearms charges, according to a press release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner.
Deputy A. Fonzi initiated the stop near the 22700 block of Grand Terrace Road at approximately 3:58 PM. A standard records check was all it took to reveal an outstanding felony warrant for Lemus, leading him to dramatically try and promptly fail to evade arrest. Witnesses claim to have seen an individual toss a black bag out of the vehicle during the pursuit. Inside? A loaded Taurus model 85 revolver. Moreover, an inventory search of the car revealed another loaded gun, an H&R model 949 revolver reported stolen out of Fontana. Both Johnson and Lemus were taken into custody and booked at Central Detention Center, with Johnson facing additional charges for felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a stolen firearm.
These details emerged as a stark reminder of the potential danger law enforcement officers confront daily. The incident thrust two felons back into the grasp of justice, while pulling two illegal firearms off the streets, pointed away from the specter of harm they could have brought to the community. Sheriff-Coroner Shannon D. Dicus has asked for anyone with information regarding this event to come forward, ensuring anonymity for those who desire it through the We-Tip Hotline or their website.
This takedown underscores a swift response to a situation that could have easily escalated to violence. Law enforcement's ability to remove illegal weapons and process felons is a cornerstone of maintaining public safety. As investigations continue, Deputy Fonzi's traffic stop has unequivocally served to once again deeply highlight the unpredictability and risk threaded through the fabric of the everyday work of patrolling officers. Law enforcement encourages the public to reach out to the Central Station at (909) 387-3545 with any further insights into this case or to utilize the We-Tip hotline for anonymous tips.
