Deputies responded to a 911 call on Sunday, May 14th in Pinon Hills from two victims who were riding a side-by-side ATV near Pinon Hills Elementary School. The victims were unable to pass on a dirt road near the school since someone had intentionally placed large rocks and formed ditches making it impassable. The victim got out of their ATV to inspect the road but immediately heard gunshots near them and safely fled the scene to call 911.
Deputy J. Ballinger responded to the call but could not conduct a thorough search of the scene since the school campus was closed. The following day on Monday, May 15th, Deputy Ballinger returned to Pinon Hills Elementary and found one bullet hole in the wall that was next to the playground. While investigating the scene, two subjects happened to ride by on motorcycles down a dirt road southwest of the school. Another subject then fired three rounds in the direction of the motorcyclists and towards the school, with two of the rounds going over Deputy Ballinger’s head. Pinon Hills Elementary was then put on a LockOUT/Shelter in Place at approximately 9:50 am due to the gunshots and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department set a perimeter around the school to keep students and staff safe.
SBC Sheriff’s Department Aviation Division responded to the scene and provided assistance. Deputies were then able to locate the suspect at his residence in the 600 block of Rancho Road. The suspect was 40 year-old Sean Michael David Garcia, of Pinon Hills, who was found in possession of 38 guns, including assault rifles. He is prohibited from owning any weapons and was arrested without incident and booked at the High Desert Detention Center.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy J. Ballinger, at Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station 760-552-6800. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.