Full Notification

DATE/TIME: January 15, 2020 / 5:27 pm

INCIDENT: Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Evading a Peace Officer with Disregard for Safety, Promoting a Criminal Street Gang, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Vandalism, Vehicle Theft

LOCATION: 13400 block of Mariposa Rd, Victorville

SUSPECT(S): Jovany Bahena, 29-year old Apple Valley resident


SUMMARY: On January 15, 2020, deputies from the Victorville Police Department located a stolen, 1997 Chevrolet Astro van at a hotel in the 13400 block of Mariposa Rd. The van, property of High Desert Homeless Services, had been taken from the shelter on Amargosa Road sometime overnight and had a small utility trailer hooked to the back.

Deputies attempted to contact the driver of the van, later identified as Jovany Bahena. Bahena drove away from the hotel leading deputies on a pursuit lasting approximately 2.5 miles. The vehicle pursuit ended in the 12600 block of Santa Fe Trail, where Bahena crashed into the yard of a home. He then led deputies on a short foot pursuit before barricading himself inside the unoccupied home of someone he knew. Upon his entrance to the house, deputies spotted a gun in Bahena’s hand and immediately acted to ensure the safety of the residents in the surrounding homes.

With the assistance of Sheriff’s Specialized Enforcement Division and Sheriff’s Aviation Division, deputies began communicating with Bahena in an attempt to have him peacefully exit the house and surrender. After approximately two hours, he came out of the house and was taken into custody, without incident. No injuries were reported during the incident.

Jovany Bahena was arrested and booked at High Desert Detention Center for possession of a stolen vehicle, evading a Peace Officer with disregard for safety, promoting a criminal street gang, assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism, and vehicle theft. He is scheduled to appear in Victorville Superior Court on January 17, 2020.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Deputy E Smith or Deputy M Young at the Victorville Police Department at (760) 241-2911 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. 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

Station: Victorville Police Department

Case #: 172000465 / 172000479

Phone No. (760) 241-2911

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