An investigation by the Rural Crimes Task Force led to the recovery of a stolen tractor in Phelan, valued at approximately $160,000, and the arrest of three individuals, including one suspected of committing a series of similar thefts, as stated in a release from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department.
The investigation began as a follow-up to a tractor theft reported in July 2025. Authorities discovered that Hunter Schoales, a 19-year-old resident of Santa Ana, had rented the tractor online using a business that was no longer active. The tractor was then delivered to a location near Gorgonio Road in Phelan. Investigators noted that Schoales was suspected of similar crimes in the past.
On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, investigators located the stolen tractor in the 5600 block of Gorgonio Road. A search warrant was served at the location, where they found an AR-10 rifle that was not compliant with California state law. Autumn Whitmark, 43, and Raymond Giles, 45, both residents of Phelan who live at the property, were arrested and transported to the High Desert Detention Center. They have since been released and are facing charges of vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of an assault weapon, and possession of a high-capacity magazine.
Two days later, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, a second search warrant was executed at a home in the 600 block of Bewley Street in Santa Ana where they found a law enforcement body-worn camera, a taser, and a police badge during the search. Schoales was taken to a nearby hospital for an unrelated medical emergency. His report will be sent to the District Attorney’s Office for review.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Victor Valley station at (760) 552-6800 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. For those who wish to remain anonymous, the We-Tip Hotline can be reached at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or through their website at www.wetip.com.
