Sheriff Deputies from the Morongo Basin Station investigating report of a residential burglary in the 69000 block of Cherokee Lane in Twentynine Palms Sunday found that suspects squatting at the location had started an indoor marijuana grow. Plants along with signs of illegal electric and water hookups, and evidence identifying the suspects were discovered about 2:30 p.m. While searching the area for witnesses, deputies found suspects Osmar Salazar, 25 years old, and Terrance Cummings, age 36. Salazar was immediately arrested; Cummings ran from deputies who eventually captured and took him into custody. One deputy was injured during the foot pursuit and capture; he was treated at Hi-Desert Medical Center and released. Both Salazar and Cummings were booked into the Morongo Basin Jail on suspicion of burglary, resisting arrest, and cultivation of marijuana. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Department, Narcotics Division, Marijuana Enforcement Team are handling the cultivation investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station at 760-366-4175 or to remain anonymous call WE-TIP at 888-78-CRIME.
