A Landers man was arrested Saturday evening after a short pursuit through Yucca Valley. According to Sheriff’s Sergeant Rick Millard, deputies received a tip that Brett Schmidt, 51, who had several felony warrants out for his arrest, was driving a blue Ford Astro minivan eastbound on Highway 62 through Morongo Valley. Deputies caught up to Schmidt, who led deputies on a short pursuit before being stopping at Sunnyslope Drive and Pioneertown Road about 8 p.m. Millard said deputies found drugs inside the minivan and arrested Brett Schmidt for investigation of transportation of dangerous drugs, as well as for his warrants for identity theft, embezzlement, and felony failure to yield. He was booked at the West Valley Detention Center with his total bail set at $300,000. His passenger, Alison Napolitano, 46, of Yucca Valley, was cited and released for being under the influence of drugs.
