Two men were taken into custody early Wednesday morning for allegedly entering a closed emergency area in Running Springs, a zone evacuated recently due to the Line Fire. The suspects, identified as 40-year-old Robert Jones of Crestline and 35-year-old Jose Valdez-Roque of Running Springs, now face charges of Unauthorized Entry to a Closed Emergency Area under California Penal Code 409.5.
The arrests occurred at 2:00 a.m. when the Rialto Police Department Mobil Field Force Unit, enhancing the law enforcement presence in response to the fire, attempted to halt an off-highway vehicle on CA-18. The duo, after having abandoned their quad, was found near Deep Creek Drive and CA-18 in Running Springs. For the purpose of their arrest, the vehicle was later located at the intersection where Jones and Valdez-Roque were contacted.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, the two individuals were arrested, transported, and booked at the West Valley Detention Center. Their vehicle was towed as a consequence of their apprehension. The entire area has remained under strict surveillance since the Line Fire prompted evacuation orders for Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, and Green Valley Lake earlier this September.
As the investigation continues, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is reaching out to the public for any relevant information. The department urges anyone with tips to contact the Twin Peaks Station at (909) 336-0600. There's also the option to remain anonymous by contacting We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or visiting their website wetip.com. Details of the case can be referenced through either the Rialto Police Department, Case No. 932409830, or the Twin Peaks, Case No. 052401411.
