Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Thursday, October 24, 2013, 9:30 a.m.

INCIDENT: PC 416 -Brandishing a Firearm / Abatement Warrant Service

LOCATION: Higher Healing Medical Center (Marijuana Dispensary)
16209 Main Street, Hesperia

SUSPECT: Brandon Johnson, 30

SUMMARY:
On Thursday, October 24, 2013 at approximately 9:30 a.m., Deputy Lisa Guerra from the Hesperia Sheriff’s Station responded to the report of a disturbance at the Higher Healing Medical Center marijuana dispensary on Main Street in Hesperia. Through her investigation Guerra learned several of the dispensary customers waiting for the business to open were approached in the parking lot by a male subject. The subject sold the customers marijuana that he brought with him. Brandon Johnson, an employee of the dispensary, was inside the business and observed the parking lot sales. Johnson confronted the subject in front of the business, while brandishing what appeared to be a large caliber semi-automatic handgun. Further investigation revealed the firearm was a BB gun which is carried by the business security guard in a holster attached to a tactical vest. The victim believed the realistic replica was in fact a real firearm. The illegal sale of marijuana in the parking lot is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Division. Johnson was arrested and booked for brandishing a firearm. Another dispensary employee, Lauren Evens, was also arrested and booked for an active warrant for her arrest.

In an unrelated previously planned event, the Sheriff’s Narcotics Division Marijuana Enforcement Team assisted Hesperia Code Enforcement officials with the closure of the marijuana dispensary. On October 21, 2013, the Hesperia City Attorney obtained an abatement warrant for the dispensary. The operators of the marijuana dispensary have been conducting their business in violation of the city Hesperia’s ordinance banning marijuana dispensing, distribution and sales. Additionally, they have been operating in defiance of a Superior Court order to cease operation. The employees remaining after the earlier investigation were ordered to vacate the premises. Code Enforcement officials changed the locks to all doors and posted notices of the abatement and warning of trespassing violations. The Marijuana Enforcement Team seized all processed marijuana and marijuana edible products.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Narcotics Division at (909) 890-4840. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

Refer: Sheriff’s Public Affairs
Phone No. (909)387-3700

John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department