On Wednesday morning, August 21st, 2024, deputies responded to a construction site on Duncan Road in Phelan at 8:20 a.m. According to the reporting party, someone cut the fence and stole an excavator along with some of the fencing.
Through the investigation, the excavator was located at a residence in the 5000 block of Yucca Terrace. Deputy A. Salazar authored a search warrant for the residence, and it was executed by detectives and deputies on Wednesday afternoon, that same day at approximately 12:14 p.m.
The stolen excavator was located on the property. Subsequently, Jonathan Owens, a 34 year-old resident of San Bernardino and Mario Munoz, a 42 year-old resident of Phelan, were both arrested without incident. Johnathan Owens was booked at the High Desert Detention Center for possession of stolen property and vandalism. He is currently being held in lieu of $30,000.00 bail. Mario Munoz, who is currently on Post Release Community Supervision, was booked at the High Desert Detention Center for possession of stolen property and vandalism and is being held without bail.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy A. Salazar at Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station, 760-552-6800. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
