Full Notification

DATE/TIME OF RELEASE: May 24, 2106 at 9:30am

INCIDENT: Two Carjacking’s

SUSPECT(S): Steven Thomas, age 24 of Victorville
Allan Soto, age 24 of Adelanto


SUMMARY:

Over the last two weeks deputies from the Victor Valley Sheriff Station have conducted two separate carjacking investigations. On both occassions the victim's had blindly met the suspect's using the dating application "Grindr."

The first carjacking occurred May 15, 2016, near the intersection of Muskrat Avenue and Air Expressway in the City of Adelanto. During this investigation the suspect, identified as Steven Thomas, allegedly used a firearm to steal the victim's vehicle and wallet. Thomas who had recently been paroled for possession of stolen property, was arrested by the Sheriff's Specialized Enforcement Division in the City of Desert Hot Springs a few days after the incident.

The second carjacking occurred May 23, 2016, near Yates Rd and Ridgecrest Rd in Victorville. The suspect, identified as Allan Soto, allegedly stole the victim's vehicle using force. Soto was located a few hours later and arrested with the assistance of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Departments Aviation Division. Both victim's vehicles were recovered by deputies and returned to them.

Citizens are encouraged to be diligent and safe when using any type of social media dating applications. Anyone with information about criminal or suspicious activity is encouraged to contact their local Sheriff Station or WE-TIP at 1-800-78CRIME (www.wetip.com) and can remain anonymous.









Refer: Staci Parks

Station: Victor Valley

Phone No: 760-552-6845

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