Residents reported a man with a gun and deputies arrested Joshua Ritorto for possession of weapons and narcotics 
DATE/TIME: February 4, 2020 / 11:54 a.m.
INCIDENT: Man with a Gun
LOCATION: Central Avenue / El Centro Road, Apple Valley
SUSPECT: Joshua Ritorto, 32 years old, resident of Apple Valley
SUMMARY:
On February 4, 2020, at approximately 11:54 a.m., deputies from the Apple Valley Police Department responded to several reports of a male subject walking with what looked like a rifle. Deputy Melony Whitecloud contacted Joshua Ritorto as he matched the description given in the call. Ritorto was carrying a backpack and a .22 caliber semi-auto rifle. Deputy Whitecloud gave Ritorto orders to put the gun down and he initially complied, but then fled on foot carrying the backpack. With the help of CHP Aviation, Ritorto was tracked through the neighborhood as he continued to run from the deputies. Sergeant Jim Evans caught Ritorto in the 16000 block of Pauhaska Road and detained him. In addition to the rifle, Ritorto also possessed an approximately 12” fixed blade unsheathed knife and a quantity of suspected methamphetamine. Ritorto was found to be a convicted felon making it a crime to possess a weapon.
Joshua Ritorto was booked at the High Desert Detention Center for Possession of an Illegal Knife, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Controlled Substance while Armed. His bail is set at $75,000.
The Apple Valley Police would like to thank those citizens who reported this incident and let the community know the suspect is in custody and poses no threat.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Deputy Tyler Loup or Sergeant James Evans at the Apple Valley Police Department at (760) 240-7400 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 the information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Jim Evans, Sergeant
Station: Apple Valley Station
Phone No. (760) 240-7400
Case No. 182000624
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Apple Valley Police Department
14931 Dale Evans Pkwy
Apple Valley, CA 92307
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1