Full Notification

DATE/TIME: August 13, 2019 / 6:00 p.m.

INCIDENT: Vehicle Theft / Possession of Stolen Vehicle

LOCATION: Bryant St. & Fir Ave., Yucaipa, California

SUSPECT(S): Gavyn Tapia, 18 years old, Transient
Damon Reynolds, 25 years old, Transient


SUMMARY:
On Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at approximately 2:54 p.m., Sheriffs Service Specialist J. Smith located a stolen black 1994 Toyota Camry driving through neighborhoods in northwest Yucaipa. The vehicle was reported stolen earlier in the day in Hemet, California. Smith, a non-sworn staff member, followed the vehicle from a safe distance and alerted deputies as to its location. A Sheriff's helicopter responded to assist.

Deputies quickly converged on the area and began to receive hits from the vehicle's Lojack theft recovery system. Within minutes, a deputy spotted the vehicle near Bryant and Fir, just as the assisting helicopter arrived. Deputies initiated a traffic stop and one occupant, Damon Reynolds, fled from the vehicle. The driver, Gavyn Tapia, stayed in the car and was taken into custody without incident. A foot chase of Reynolds ensued, and deputies captured him a short distance away from the traffic stop.

At the conclusion of the investigation, Tapia was arrested for vehicle theft and possession of the stolen car. Reynolds was arrested for resisting or obstructing a peace officer. Two other occupants were detained, questioned and released.

During the incident, several social media posts surfaced about the heavy police presence in the area where two schools are located. At no time was there a threat to any schools or students and none of the police activity or arrests took place on school grounds.

Refer: Deputy A. Alcala / Probation Officer S. Ulloa

Station: Yucaipa Police Station

Phone No. (909) 918-2305

Case No. 141902527

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