A felon alleged to be in possession of a weapon, ammunition, and drugs, led deputies on a pursuit through Yucca Valley during which they say he tossed a weapon out of the truck window.
On Saturday (February 1) at around 2:15 a.m., San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a red Chevy Avalanche near the intersection of Twentynine Palms Highway and Balsa Ave in Yucca Valley. Deputies say the driver, later identified as Manuel Lopez, a 44 year-old resident of Yucca Valley, failed to yield, and led deputies on a pursuit for more than 2.5 miles. Deputies say that Lopez ran a red light and stop signs and tossed a loaded firearm out of the vehicle’s window.
The pursuit ended at the intersection of Yucca Trail and Barberry Ave, and deputies say that Lopez was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and ammunition. Deputies were able to recover the firearm. As a convicted felon, Lopez is prohibited from being in possession of any weapons or ammunition. Lopez was taken into custody at the scene.
Manuel Lopez was arrested for investigation into felony reckless evading, possession of a controlled substance with two or more convictions, possession of a controlled substance while armed, felon in possession of a firearm, and for multiple outstanding traffic warrants. He was booked at Morongo Basin Jail and transferred to West Valley Detention Center, where he is being held on $150,000 bail.
