Full Notification

DATE/TIME: November 22, 2018 6:20 a.m.

INCIDENT: Domestic Violence / Kidnapping / Criminal Threats

LOCATION: 21000 block of Nisqually Road, Apple Valley

SUSPECT: Richard John Desma, 36 years old, resident of Apple Valley


SUMMARY:
On Thursday, November 22, 2018, at approximately 6:20 a.m., Apple Valley Deputies responded to citizen reports of a male and female arguing. Callers reported hearing yelling, doors slamming and a female screaming for help and pleading for someone to call the police. Deputies were on scene within minutes and located a female assault victim with injuries to the head and body. Deputies determined the victim had been engaged in a verbal argument with Richard Desma when he physically assaulted her and fled prior to the deputies’ arrival. There was nobody else at the residence during the incident. During the altercation, Desma reportedly used a firearm to strike the victim, broke her phone to prevent her from requesting help or assistance, threatened her life, and falsely imprisoned her for some time before she escaped. Before fleeing, Desma threatened to kill the victim should she call the police. The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment of serious, but not life-threatening injuries resulting from the assault. No shots were fired during the incident.

On Friday, November 23, 2018, at 1:10 p.m., armed with an arrest warrant, Deputy Mike Cashion arrested Desma at home without incident. Desma was transported to the High Desert Detention Center and booked for Domestic Violence, False Imprisonment and Criminal Threats. His bail was set at $250,000.00.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call Deputy Mike Cashion or Sergeant James Evans at the Apple Valley Station.

Refer: Sergeant James R. Evans

Station: Apple Valley Station

Phone No. 760-240-7400

Case No. 181805754

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