A Twentynine Palms man wanted for attempted murder in Arizona led a violent pursuit through the Morongo Basin before he was captured in a lethal force encounter.
On Tuesday night (May 28) at around 9:30 p.m. the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department was notified that a suspect in an Arizona attempted murder was leading a pursuit heading toward Twentynine Palms from Mojave County.
The suspect, identified as Brent Soster, a 43 year-old resident of Twentynine Palms, failed to yield during a traffic stop in Needles, and initiated the pursuit heading west.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department was notified that Soster was driving a 2005 Dodge pickup, heading toward Twentynine Palms. The say that Soster drove onto State Route 62, and began throwing smoke grenades and shooting at deputy vehicles.
As the pursuit continued through Twentynine Palms and into Joshua Tree, a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s helicopter was dispatched. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said Soster began firing at the helicopter, at which point deputies used lethal force. They say that they apprehended Soster after the lethal force incident. The Sheriff’s Department did not provide details about the type of force used, and did not specifiy which agency used lethal force measures.
Investigators searching Soster’s vehicle found several firearms, a tactical ballistic vest, a gas mask, additional smoke grenades, and several rounds of ammunition.
Soster was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of lacerations. Brent Soster was discharged from the hospital and arrested for investigation into attempted murder. He is being held at the West Valley Detention Center, with bail set at $1.3 million dollars though he is on a fugitive hold and is not expected to be released.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Deputy Joshua Young, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
