A traffic stop in Joshua Tree resulted in the rescue of a child believed to be kidnapped and an arrest for attempted murder.
On Thursday (May 8) at around 11:30 p.m., a deputy from the Morongo Basin Station observed a silver Hyundai traveling eastbound on Twentynine Palms Highway near Barberry Avenue in Yucca Valley with their lights off. The deputy said they initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as Robert Richardson, a 24 year-old resident of Moreno Valley. The deputy said that Richardson reached for a weapon inside of the car then attempted to take the deputies firearm. A struggle began and Richardson returned to the car and fled with the deputy following in pursuit.
Deputies say that Richardson drove eastbound and often drove into oncoming traffic, driving into the direct path of six vehicles before the pursuit ended on Twentynine Palms Highway and California Avenue in Joshua Tree.
Richardson then exited the vehicle with a juvenile and held the victim between himself and law enforcement, making homicidal threats to the child.
A struggle ensued as Sheriff’s Deputies spearated Richardson from the juvenile and they eventually detained the suspect.
Robert Richardson was arrested for investigation into attemtped murder, kidnapping, child endangerment, and felony reckless evading. He is being held at the West Valley Detention Center on $50,000.
The Morongo Basin Station is seeking witnesses to the arrest and the pursuit. If you saw any part of the incident, they ask that you contact 760)-366-4175. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com
