A predawn robbery at a Victorville Shell station ended with two people behind bars, one accused of pointing a gun at a clerk and the other arrested on suspicion of manufacturing high-capacity magazines after deputies found an AR-15 rifle and 3D-printed high-capacity magazines in his bedroom. Deputies say the investigation moved from a gas station parking lot to a search warrant at a Victorville residence.
Juveniles Grab Merchandise While Armed Driver Waits
Deputies responded to the Shell station in the 12000 block of Bear Valley Road at approximately 4:05 a.m. on November 1, according to VVNG. Two male juveniles walked into the business, stole merchandise, and ran back out to a gray Kia that was waiting for them in the parking lot, the outlet reported. The driver of that Kia allegedly racked the slide of a firearm and pointed it toward the clerk, who retreated inside the store, per the same account.
The frightening encounter set off an investigation that leaned heavily on technology. Investigators used surveillance footage and automated license plate reader systems to track down the vehicle, the station's report notes, eventually leading them back to the suspects within about 36 hours.
Traffic Stop Leads to Loaded Gun on Floorboard
Deputies located the Kia and carried out a traffic enforcement stop at approximately 2:46 p.m. on November 2. Officials identified the driver as 21-year-old Sandra Hepler, naming her as the armed robbery suspect, per the article. During the vehicle search, deputies recovered a loaded handgun sitting on the driver's floorboard, according to a sheriff's statement cited in the report. Hepler was arrested on suspicion of robbery and booked into the High Desert Detention Center.
Search Warrant Turns Up Rifle, Handgun and Printed Magazines
The investigation then moved to a residence in the 15000 block of Redondo Drive in Victorville, where deputies served a search warrant. Inside a bedroom identified as belonging to 25-year-old Jesse Hepler, deputies reportedly found an AR-15 rifle, a .40-caliber handgun, and 3D-printed high-capacity handgun magazines, officials said. Jesse Hepler was arrested on suspicion of manufacturing high-capacity magazines and was also booked into the High Desert Detention Center.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department issued a written statement describing the overall investigation, which the outlet says led to the arrests of two Victorville residents and the seizure of firearms along with the printed magazines.
Not the First High Desert Case Involving Firearm-Related Items
A separate June traffic stop near Nova Lane and Rising Moon Way also turned up firearm-related items, according to a separate VVNG report. That stop led to the arrests of Adrian Penland, 41, of Phelan, and Ricardo Landeros, 42, of Victorville, both booked at the High Desert Detention Center on suspicion of firearm-related offenses.
California law restricts large-capacity magazines under Penal Code Section 32310.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Victorville Station at (760) 241-2911 or the sheriff's dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by calling or texting “report” to We-Tip at 844-909-3006.
