Deputies seized a collection of guns and ammunition from a Yucca Valley man following an investigation into his negligent discharge of a firearm in a neighborhood. According to Sheriff’s reports, Deputies responded to the 56000 block of Taos Trail around 8:15 p.m. for a report of someone discharging a firearm in the air. Deputies set up a perimeter at the house where the suspected gunshots came from; located the suspect, later identified as Michael Valenzuela, 45; and detained him. During their investigation, Deputies determined that Valenzuela had pointed a shotgun at a victim during an argument over medication. As the victim fled the location, Valenzuela fired the shotgun in the air in the direction of the victim. The victim was not injured during the incident.
A search warrant was served at the location; leading to the discovery of four rifles, one sawed off shotgun, one revolver, nine high capacity rifle magazines, and several hundred rounds of ammunition at the residence. A spent shotgun shell was also found in the area where Valenzuela fired the shotgun. Michael Valenzuela was initially arrested for investigation of brandishing a firearm, assault with a firearm, and discharging a firearm with negligence, and was booked into the Morongo Basin Jail without incident. Valenzuela was later only charged with discharging a firearm with negligence and was booked into West Valley Detention Center with his bail set at $50,000.
