Landers burglary suspects arrested with suspected drugs and firearms

A burglary investigation in Landers led to the arrest of two people and the seizure of drugs and guns.

On Saturday (July 25) at around 5:30 p.m., San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a residential burglary in the 1700 block of Jemez Trail in Landers. Deputies identified the suspect as Johnnie Francis, a 24 year-old resident of Landers. Deputies say Francis forcibly entered the victim’s home, damaged property, and stole a number of items before fleeing. The victim was not injured during the alleged break-in.

Deputies located Francis at a home in the 2000 block of Tori Lane in Landers. They say they searched the home and found evidence linking Francis to the burglary, including property taken from the victim’s home. Deputies say they found suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, and firearms inside the home. Francis was taken into custody along with a second person in the home, identified as Nichole Solet, a 33 year-old resident of Landers.

Johnnie Francis was arrested on suspicion of first degree burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, and probation violations. Francis has previous convictions for grand theft and receiving stolen property. He is being held at the West Valley Detention Center without bail.  Nichole Solet was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a controlled substance while armed. She was booked into the Morongo Basin Jail and has since been released on bail.