On Monday, May 25th Robert Silas Wayne Cottle, a 22-year-old resident of Phelan, and Joel Burrola, a 30-year-old resident of New Mexico, burglarized the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Search & Rescue Division’s storage container and the Medicine Shop’s shed which are both located directly behind the Phelan Sheriff’s Station on Phelan Road.
On the morning of Thursday, May 25th, Cottle cut the locks off the buildings while Burrola waited nearby in his truck until Cottle signaled him to drive up. The two then removed the property that was inside the storage units, loaded the stolen items into the truck, and then drove away.
Through the investigation, Deputies M. Leiker and C. Lopez were able to identify the two suspects. Cottle and Burrola were later located, and the stolen items were found inside their truck. Both suspects were also found to be in possession of methamphetamine. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy M. Leiker at Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station at 760-552-6800. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
