Sleeping man awakens to knife at neck and robbery; suspect arrested after brief chase

On Sunday (9/27), at approximately 3:30 p.m., San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a fight in the 7300 block of Apache Trail in Yucca Valley.

Deputies say that upon their arrival, they learned a man had been sleeping at an unknown location in the 56000 block of Santa Fe Trail when he was awakened by Carlos Illanez, 37, holding a knife to his neck. According to law enforcement, Illanez threatened to stab the victim and took his personal property, including cash and a cell phone.

Deputies report that Illanez proceeded to chase the victim while holding the knife and followed the victim to Apache Trail, where a bystander reportedly attempted to intervene in the confrontation. Deputies detained Illanez and took him into custody; the victim did not report any injuries. 

Carlos Illanez was arrested on suspicion of robbery and has since been released on bail.