Full Notification

DATE/TIME: February 24, 2015, at approximately 12:00 p.m.

INCIDENT: Felony Evading; Possession of Narcotics for Sales

LOCATION: Community Blvd and Serra Rd, Hinkley

SUSPECT(S): Robert Deffenbaugh, age 34, a resident of Yucca Valley

SUMMARY: On February 24, 2015, at approximately 12:00 p.m., Deputy Hancock of the Barstow Sheriff's Station attempted to make a pedestrian check on a known parolee, Michael Wilson. Before Deputy Hancock could contact Wilson, he observed Wilson throw what appeared to be narcotics into a Honda Accord, occupied by an unknown white male. Deputy Hancock drove up to the Honda and parked in front of the Honda to prevent the driver from leaving. Deputy Hancock also told the driver over the public address system to stay where he was and to put his hands in the air. Initially, the driver complied, but then put the vehicle in gear and drove around the patrol vehicle.

Deputy Hancock turned around and attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver ignored the deputy and accelerated to speeds over 100 mph on Old State 58 violating several vehicle codes, driving into traffic and running stop signs. The driver led deputies towards the community of Hinkley and at one point, ran a stop sign at Flower and New State 58 Hwy. The driver continued at a high rate of speed through the dairy lands of Hinkley, where he lost control of his vehicle and crashed at Community Blvd and Serra Rd. The driver ran from the vehicle towards a house in the 23000 block of Granada. There, he entered the house and hid in one of the rooms.

Deputies pursued the driver on foot and located the driver hiding in a closet at the house. He was arrested without further incident and identified as Robert Deffenbaugh, age 34, of Yucca Valley. A small bottle containing suspected methamphetamine was located in the room where Deffenbaugh was found. Deffenbaugh was found to have two felony warrants, with a total bail of $250,000 for Dangerous Drugs. Deputies discovered Deffenbaugh was on supervised probation for PC245 – Assault with a Deadly Weapon as a result of California Assembly Bill 109.

As part of Governor Jerry Brown’s Realignment Plan, or Assembly Bill 109, to comply with a U.S. Supreme Court decision requiring the state to lower its prison population by 30,000; offenders with non-violent, non-sexual and non-serious convictions will serve reduced sentences in county jails and be placed on local supervision through county Probation.

Deffenbaugh was booked into the Barstow Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail for CVC2800.2 – Felony Evading, H&S11378 – Possession of Narcotics for Sales and his warrants.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy Christopher Hancock or Sergeant Matthew Griffith of the Barstow Sheriff's Station at (760) 256-4838. Callers who wish to remain anonymous are urged to call We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

Refer: Deputy Hancock / Sergeant Griffith

Station: Barstow Station

Phone No. (760) 256 - 4838

Case No. 081500243

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