A report of stolen water led to the arrest of a Joshua Tree man Friday for being a felon in possession of firearms. Deputies were called to the 7100 block of Saddleback Road in Joshua Tree about 8:30 p.m. when the resident noticed that his neighbors were hooked up to his water main and stealing his water. Deputies contacted Michael Pilipovich, 35, and determined he was on felony probation. During a probation compliance check, deputies discovered in Pilipovich’s possession a handgun, two rifles, and shotgun ammunition. Michael Pilipovich was arrested for investigation of being a felon in possession of a firearm, booked into the West Valley Detention Center, with his bail set at $35,000. Also at the location were Gavin Nuce, 37, who was arrested on warrants for burglary and dealing methamphetamine; and Cheyne Miner, who had $200,000 in misdemeanor drug warrants. Gavin Nuce and Cheyne Miner were also arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center.
