Full Notification

DATE/TIME: October 30, 2017 / 5:53 p.m.

INCIDENT: Single Vehicle Collision

LOCATION: Nisqualli Drive / Arrowhead Drive

SUSPECT(S): Rogelio Mendoza, 23-year old Hesperia resident
John Ornelas, 19-year old Victorville resident

VICTIM: Adult male (deceased)


SUMMARY:
On October 30, 2017, deputies from the Victorville Police Department, responded to a single vehicle rollover collision, where it was reported shots had also been fired.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered two passengers from the vehicle had been ejected. The front seat passenger suffered major injuries and was airlifted to a Los Angeles County hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The second passenger, identified as John Ornelas, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Witnesses at the scene reported observing Ornelas firing multiple rounds from a handgun into the air, after being ejected from the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Rogelio Mendoza, fled the scene prior to deputies arriving.

During the investigation, the handgun was located hidden near the collision site and a records check revealed it had been stolen from the Los Angeles area several years ago. Additionally, the vehicle involved was recently stolen from a home in Hesperia.

On October 31, 2017, an arrest warrant for Mendoza was issued. He was located and arrested without incident. Mendoza was booked at High Desert Detention Center for felony parole violation and is being held without bail. Ornelas was arrested and booked for willful discharge of a firearm with gross negligence.

The case has been forwarded to the District Attorney’s office for review and filing of charges.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the Victorville Police Department at (760) 241-2911. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.

Refer: Mara Rodriguez, Media Relations Officer

Station: Victorville Police Department

Case #: 171713157

Phone No. (760) 241-2911

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