DATE: March 16, 2026 / 1:44 p.m.
INCIDENT: Death Investigation
LOCATION: State Highway 38, Mentone
SUSPECT(S): Jovan Jones, a 33-year-old Resident of Calimesa
SUMMARY:
On Monday, March 16, 2026, at approximately 1:44 p.m., Yucaipa deputies located a vehicle on Highway 38 near Bryant Street that was identified by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department as being involved in a domestic violence incident earlier that day in Calimesa. Jovan Jones was identified as the suspect of the domestic violence incident and was believed to be armed with a firearm.
Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop; however, the driver, identified as Jones, failed to yield. Jones led deputies on a pursuit along Highway 38 for approximately eight miles before abruptly pulling onto the shoulder of the roadway. Deputies issued commands over a public address system, ordering Jones to exit the vehicle, but he did not respond. Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department arrived and deployed a drone to assess the vehicle due to concerns that Jones was armed. Deputies determined Jones was unresponsive in the vehicle. Deputies approached the vehicle and confirmed Jones had a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Paramedics arrived and pronounced Jones deceased.
The Sheriff’s Department’s Specialized Investigations Division responded and assumed the investigation.
Jones was transported to the Riverside County Coroner’s Office, where an autopsy will be completed.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text REPORT to We-Tip at 1-844-909-3006.
Refer: Detective Ron Williams or Sergeant Bryan Sprague
Station: Specialized Investigations Division
Phone No. 909-890-4904
Case No. DR# 042600177 H# 2026-027
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
