The surviving suspect of a murder and attempted car jacking in Yucca Valley earlier this month, was arraigned in a San Bernardino court Monday. Jose Gomez, 19, of Earlimart, entered a plea of not guilty to murder and attempted murder. On May 9, Gomez and Bryan Valle, 19, also of Earlimart, are suspected of stealing a 2002 Chevy Impala in Wasco, driving it to Yucca Valley, where it’s believed they attempted to carjack a car driven by Obette Lacap, 33, a pharmaceutical rep from Beaumont. For unknown reasons, the suspects shot Lacap through the window, killing him. Witnesses said Valle and Gomez got back into their stolen Impala and fled westbound on Highway 62 to Interstate 10. CHP spotted the vehicle, and pursued it, along with Sheriff deputies, at speeds of 100 miles per hour or more, to San Bernardino. The car crashed into a light pole after exiting the freeway. The Sheriff’s department said when Valle and Gomez got out of the car, they started shooting at law enforcement, who returned fire, killing Bryan Valle, and injuring Gomez. Jose Gomez is being held at West Valley Detention Center with his bail set at $1 million.
