On Tuesday, October 27, 2025, at approximately 11:45 a.m., a coordinated law enforcement effort resulted in a major arrest in part of an ongoing investigation into recent train burglaries in the Victor Valley area.
The Rural Crimes Task Force, assisted by Hesperia Detectives and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Aviation, served a search warrant in the 12200 block of Silver Rock Road in Pinon Hills. As investigators approached, CHP Aviation alerted them to two vehicles leaving the property.
Deputies from the Phelan Sub-Station attempted to stop a white van, but the driver, identified as Jesus Andres Velez, led deputies on a 26-minute pursuit that ended in Adelanto, where Velez was taken into custody.
A subsequent search of Velez’s vehicle and the Pinon Hills residence led to a significant recovery of stolen goods. During the searches, investigators located a Polymer 80 pistol and a large volume of stolen property from the train burglaries.
BNSF Railroad Police responded to the scene and took possession of the recovered items. The estimated value of the stolen property recovered from both the van and the residence totals $60,479.11.
Velez was booked at the High Desert Detention Center for multiple felony charges related to the incident.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Rural Crimes Task Force at 760-248-7328. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.
