A firefighter for the Marine Corp Air Ground Combat Center Fire Department was arrested Sunday (September 5) accused of four crimes, including felony vandalism, Stalking, and possession of stolen property from the Department. According to the County Sheriff’s Department, Deputies responded to the 3400 block of Condor Road in Twentynine Palms on September 5 after the victim, Edwin Zhen, 36 of Twentynine Palms, reported that a suspect was vandalizing one of his properties. While reporting the vandalism, Zhen received a notification from his home surveillance system on Condor Road showing the suspect armed with a handgun. Deputies identified the suspect as Christopher Michael Baker, 41, of Twentynine Palms.
Tuesday (September 7), Deputies and Detectives served a warrant at Baker’s residence in the 6000 block of Regino Street Twentynine Palms. During their search, Detectives located evidence related to the vandalism of Zhen’s property. Detectives also located a stolen firearm, controlled substance, and approximately $6000 worth of stolen property from the Twentynine Palms Marine Corp Combat Center Fire Department. Baker was employed by the fire department but had been placed on administrative leave before his arrest. Christopher Michael Baker was arrested for investigation of Possession of a controlled substance while armed, Felony Stalking, Felony Vandalism, and being in Possession of stolen property. He was booked into the Morongo Basin Jail with his bail set at $200,000.
