Tenant and landlord dispute on New Year’s Eve results in arrest

A dispute between a tenant and a landlord in Twentynine Palms led to an arrest for investigation into assault and weapons. 

On New Year’s Eve (December 31) at around 11:00 p.m., San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of an assault in the 6100 block of Ocotillo Avenue in Twentynine Palms. Upon arrival they found a man with injuries to his head, who refused medical attention.

The Sheriff’s Department says that the victim asked Richard Russell, 23, to move out of the residence on Ocotillo Avenue. Deputies say that Russell then punched the victim in the head and face several times and fled the location.

Russell was located a short time later near the home and was found to be in possession of an illegal knife, and was taken into custody without further incident.

Richard Russell was arrested for investigation into assault and possession of a dirk or dagger. He was booked in the Morongo Basin Jail and has since been released on bail.