On Monday (June 12) at around 9:00 p.m., deputies from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station responded to the 54000 block of Ben Mar Trail in Yucca Valley for a vandalism and theft report. The Sheriff’s department says that during the investigation, it was determined Shalom Wellong threw a rock through the windshield of the victim’s vehicle and stole her belongings, including her cell phone. Wellong fled the area prior to the deputy’s arrival.
The next day (Tuesday, June 13) at approximately 1:00 a.m., the Sheriff’s department says that Wellong returned and forced entry into the residence, grabbing the victim by the wrist.
Deputies say that Wellong then fled the area with the victim in a vehicle which was parked down the road.
During the investigation, information was obtained regarding the whereabouts of Wellong. The victim, who knows the suspect, was located alone at a residence in Morongo Valley. While speaking with the victim, Wellong arrived back at the residence and was arrested. Shalom Wellong was arrested for suspicion of kidnapping and was booked at the Morongo Basin Jail. He is being held on $250,000 bail at the West Valley Detention Center.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact Deputy J. Merrell or Deputy C. Jones with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to www.wetip.com
