A Twentynine Palms woman was arrested after she was found cutting down mesquite trees in the desert Thursday afternoon. According to a Sheriff’s report, a code enforcement officer was in the area of Mesquite Springs and Rainier Roads about 2 p.m. when he a small pickup truck parked in the open desert near mesquite trees. When he went to investigate, he saw a woman, later identified as Paula Candelaria, 60, using an ax to cut down the mesquite trees. Candelaria allegedly struggled with the officer when he attempted to place her under arrest. A deputy also responded and a white substance, suspected to be methamphetamine, was found inside the pick-up truck. Paula Candelaria was arrested for investigation of possession of meth, booked into the Morongo Basin Jail, cited and released.
