Full Notification

DATE/TIME: August 22, 2015/ 1751 hours
INCIDENT: Felony Evading /Assault With A Deadly Weapon
LOCATION: East Highland Ave X North Orange St
SUSPECT(S): Anthony Valdepena, 28-year-old resident of Highland
VICTIM(S): State of California

SUMMARY: On Saturday, August 22, 2015, while on routine patrol, a deputy from the Central Station witnessed a 2001 Mitsubishi sedan recklessly cutting off multiple vehicles and driving across several lanes of traffic. When the vehicle pulled into a driveway, the deputy activated his emergency lights and pulled in behind the Mitsubishi to make contact. The driver, later identified as Anthony Valdepena, accelerated and drove head on into traffic. The deputy felt Valdepena was possibly under the influence of an intoxicant and his driving posed a threat to public safety and initiated a pursuit. The high speed pursuit went through the city of Highland and into San Bernardino. During the pursuit, Valdepena reached speeds up to 100 MPH and would slam on his brakes making deputies swerve to avoid colliding with him. Twice Valdepena turned into the path of deputies again making them swerve to avoid colliding with him. The third time, Valdepena was successful and a deputy collided with a power pole. Valdepena lost control at Sierra Way and Rialto Avenue when his vehicle struck a curb and came to rest against the wall of an abandoned building. Valdepena was taken into custody without further incident.
Valdepena is a gang member on felony probation for Terrorist Threats. He was in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun and a usable amount of narcotics. Valdepena was booked at Central Detention Center and charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Felony Evading with a Gang Enhancement.

Refer: Deputy G. Nicassio
Station: Central Station
Phone No. (909) 387-3545
Case No. 011503502

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department