An interesting legal loophole is keeping a man out of jail, and in fact, is keeping him from being arrested. According to Sheriff records, on Saturday, July 20, Dustin Crowder, a Marine stationed at the Combat Center, was at the Adobe Deli in Twentynine Palms about 10 p.m. when he was attacked by Joseph Nichols, 31. Family members told Z107.7 News that Nichols used a chair to beat Crowder, and fractured his skull, nasal cavity, and left cheek bones. Crowder was taken to Loma Linda hospital where he will undergo multiple reconstructive surgeries. Sheriff’s Sergeant Jason Radeleff said an arrest warrant for assault with a deadly weapon with great bodily injury was issued July 25 for Nichols’ arrest, but before he could be arrested, Nichols posted bond for $150,000, which effectively keeps him from being arrested and out of jail. Joseph Nichols is scheduled to be arraigned September 19 in Joshua Tree Superior Court.
