DATE/TIME: May 23, 2023, at approximately 1:20 p.m.
INCIDENT: Carjacking, Grand Theft Auto, Evading a Peace Officer/Reckless Driving
LOCATION: 58000 block of Bonanza Drive, Yucca Valley
SUSPECT: Luis Lugo, 23-year-old male resident of Fontana
VICTIM(S): Multiple residents of Yucca Valley
United States Post Office
San Bernardino County Sheriff
SUMMARY: On May 23, 2023, at approximately 1:20 p.m., deputies from the Morongo Basin Station responded to the 58000 block of Bonanza Drive in Yucca Valley, following a report of a carjacking. The victim in this carjacking was a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service (USPS).
While investigating the carjacking, a second carjacking of a truck and trailer was reported at the 58000 block of Paxton Road. The carjacked USPS vehicle was abandoned by the suspect within proximity of the second carjacking on Paxton Road.
Within minutes, deputies tracked the stolen vehicle and trailer traveling eastbound on Twentynine Palms Hwy (SR-62) at La Contenta Road. Deputies attempted a traffic stop and a pursuit ensued. The stolen truck and trailer continued eastbound on Twentynine Palms Hwy (SR62) driving at high speeds in an erratic and evasive manner. The stolen vehicle became disabled in the desert near Golden Street in Joshua Tree. The suspect, Luis Lugo, refused to follow deputies’ commands to exit the vehicle, while he made several attempts to free the vehicle from the sand, backing towards the deputies. Lugo exited the vehicle with cloth wrapped around his hand and charged at deputies with his hand pointed towards them. Lugo entered a San Bernardino County Sheriff patrol car by threat of force and rammed the patrol car into a second patrol car. A less lethal measure was used on Lugo, and he was taken into custody after he physically resisted arrest.
Lugo was booked at West Valley Detention Center for multiple counts of carjacking, including grand theft and failure to yield.
Refer: Deputy Dennis and Deputy Barrie
Station: Morongo Basin Station
Phone No. 760-366-4175
Case No. 232300889
Sheriff's Public Affairs
Station: Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station
Phone No. 760-366-4175