On Monday (5/5) at approximately 4:36 p.m., deputies from the Sheriff’s Morongo Basin Station responded to a report of shots fired near Indian Trail and Meldora Avenue in Twentynine Palms.
According to a press release from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station, three people in a gray Dodge Ram were attempting to turn around on Cove View Road after encountering “Private Property” signs, when they say their vehicle was hit by gunfire. Deputies say a bullet penetrated the passenger-side door and embedded in the front seat. The victims fled the area and were able to identify the suspect’s residence with the assistance of aerial photographs provided by Sheriff’s Aviation.
Deputies located the residence and ultimately detained the suspect, who deputies later identified as Andrew Gaskill, 46. A search warrant was served at the property and deputies say they recovered multiple firearms, including the rifle believed to have been used in the shooting. They also recovered a shotgun, a handgun, and an AR-style rifle.
Andrew Gaskill was arrested on suspicion of assault with a firearm and has since been released on bail.