Full Notification

DATE/TIME: May 26, 2019 / 5:36 p.m.

INCIDENT: Possession of Stolen Vehicle and Firearm/Felon in Possession of Firearm & Ammunition/Narcotics for Sales/Possession of Controlled Substance with a loaded Firearm

LOCATION: 200 block of N. Waterman Ave., San Bernardino

SUSPECT(S): Sergio Ignacio Melendez, 30-year-old resident of San Bernardino
Jaklene Yvonne Valdez, 26-year-old resident of San Bernardino

SUMMARY:
On May 26, 2019 Deputy R. Olivares was in the area of 3rd St. and Waterman Ave. in the City of San Bernardino, and while driving past the Valero gas station Olivares observed a stolen Toyota 4-Runner parked at the gas pumps. Sergio Ignacio Melendez was seen opening the driver side door and began pumping gas into the vehicle, while Jaklene Valdez was in the passenger seat of the car. Deputy Olivares conducted a felony traffic stop and was able to take Melendez and Valdez into custody with the assistance of responding deputies.

During a search of the trash can next to where Melendez was standing, Olivares located a Glock 19 handgun loaded with eight rounds of ammunition. A records check confirmed the Glock was stolen. Video surveillance from the gas station confirmed Melendez pulled the gun from his waistband and dropped the gun in the trash can.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies located an extended 9mm magazine with a total of 33 rounds of ammunition. Valdez was found to have several individually packaged baggies of suspected methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and $700 in cash.

Both suspects were booked at West Valley Detention Center for possession of a stolen vehicle, stolen firearm, felon in possession of a firearm with ammunition, narcotics for sales and possession of a controlled substance with a loaded firearm. Valdez is being held at $50,000 bail, and Melendez is being held without bail.

Melendez was found to be on felony PRCS probation. Felony PRCS probation was created as a result of California Assembly Bill 109 (AB109), to comply with a U.S. Supreme Court decision requiring the state to lower its prison population. 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.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Deputy R. Olivares of the Central Station Sheriff's Department at (909) 387-3545. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27436), or you may leave the information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.

Refer: Deputy R. Olivares

Station: Central Station

Phone No. (909) 387-3545

Case No. 771900577

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