Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Thursday, April 9, 2015 12:12 p.m.

INCIDENT: Search Warrant/Pursuit

LOCATION: 25300 block of Zuni Rd., Unincorporated area of Apple Valley

SUSPECT: Francis Jared Pusok, 30, Apple Valley

UPDATE:
On Thursday afternoon an administrative and criminal investigation began regarding the use of force related to the arrest of Francis Pusok. On Friday morning, 10 sheriff’s deputies were placed on administrative leave.
Two deputies were injured during the search, with injuries consisting of abrasions, a twisted knee and a back injury from being struck by the horse. They have been treated and released.
Francis Pusok was treated for minor injuries consisting of abrasions and bruising. Pusok was treated at the hospital and then transported to West Valley Detention Center for booking. He was booked for Felony Evading, Theft of a Horse, Possession of Stolen Property and an active warrant for Reckless Driving. Bail has been set at $115,000.
The department has received multiple threatening emails, phone calls and posts on social media. Investigators are looking into the validity of these threats and will only release the deputies’ names if those threats are found to be unsubstantiated.
Updates will be released as new information becomes available.
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SUMMARY:
On Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 12:12 p.m. deputies from the Victor Valley station went to the Zuni Rd. residence to serve a search warrant related to an Identity Theft investigation. Upon arrival the suspect, Francis Pusok, fled the location in a vehicle. Deputies pursued Pusok through the unicorporated area of Apple Valley, the Town of Apple Valley and further into the unincorporated area of Hesperia. Pusok abandoned the vehicle southwest of Bowen Ranch and fled on foot. Deputies were actively searching for Pusok on foot, using off-highway vehicles and helicopters. Within minutes, deputies received information that the suspect came into contact with a group of people near the Deep Creek Hot Springs and stole a horse. He fled on horseback on dirt trails, through very rugged, steep terrain, causing numerous injuries to the horse.

A Sheriff’s helicopter inserted a team of deputies in the area of Hwy 173/Arrowhead Lake Rd. to take the suspect in to custody. Deputies made contact with Pusok and as they approached, the horse threw him off. A Taser was deployed but was ineffective due to his loose clothing. A use of force occurred during the arrest. An internal investigation will be conducted regarding the use of force.

“The video surrounding this arrest is disturbing and I have ordered an internal investigation be conducted immediately”, stated Sheriff John McMahon. He further stated, “In addition, members of the Specialized Investigation Detail are responding to conduct the criminal investigation.”

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Sergeant Trevis Newport or Daniel Hanke at (760)552-6800. 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: Sergeant Trevis Newport or Detective Daniel Hanke
Specialized Investigations Detail
Phone No. (909)387-3589
Case No.: 601500150 H#2015-027

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