Authorities say Yucaipa ranch trained cockfighting birds

There is a sharp contrast between the
beautifully groomed roosters that are tethered to plastic barrels and
the scores of hens who roam loose on a sprawling 10-acre ranch in a
rural corner of Yucaipa.

Whether the Dandy Game Fowl Ranch is a simple chicken farm
carrying on the city’s long tradition or a sinister place where certain
fowl were trained for bloody battle in Mexico is yet to be seen.

Local, state and federal authorities raided the ranch Feb.
16 and claimed they found evidence that 441 roosters were being bred
and trained for cockfighting derbies.

Owners Mike and Bertha Mitchell are believed to be out of
the country and did not respond to calls for comment. Their Web site
says they have “12 years of experience raising the highest quality of
game fowl not only of California, but of the United States.”

An edition of Pie de Cria, a cockfighting magazine
published in Mexico, features an interview with Mike Mitchell talking
about selling his gamecocks in Mexico.

It was Dandy Game Fowl’s advertisement in the magazine that
caught the attention of the Humane Society of the United States, who
alerted the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

“This was a training ground for feathered gladiators,” said Eric Sakach, a senior law enforcement specialist with the HSUS.

A
rusted white iron gate circles the ranch, which includes a two-story
house and dozens of wire cages where younger roosters appear to be
housed.

Older roosters are tethered to white plastic barrels with a metal pole.

These
are the fowl that have had their earlobes, whittles and combs removed,
a practice that is common both for roosters being trained for
cockfights and for show roosters.

Neighbors who have lived alongside the Mitchells’ ranch for
more than a decade say they’ve never seen any suspicious behavior and
were upset with authorities who descended on the Sprig Avenue ranch
with patrol cars and a helicopter.

“They just raise chickens. We raise chickens in Yucaipa,” said a neighbor who declined to give his name.

About 30 chicken farms could be found in Yucaipa during the 1970s, though only one large farm continues to operate.

Heidi
Roberts, who has lived across the street for 15 years, described Mike
Mitchell as “a nice guy” and said she has never seen or heard anything
that leads her to believe there was an illegal operation being run at
Dandy Game Fowl Ranch.

“We’ve never had a complaint against him,” she said.

Five
roosters were seized as evidence and will be held at the Devore Animal
Shelter until the case is concluded. The hens and other 436 roosters
were tagged, photographed and left on the ranch. It is still the
Mitchells’ responsibility to care for the birds, though they are not
allowed to remove them from the property.

Robbery suspect arrested

BEAUMONT — Police arrested a man after he allegedly robbed an antique store and tried to kidnap an employee.

Police officers responded at about 10:40 a.m. Monday to a report of robbery and kidnapping at Rapsteine’s Redbarn Antiques 504 W. 6th Street in Beaumont.

Witnesses told the officers that a man entered the business business and told a female employee he had a gun and reached into his jacket, according to a press release issued by Beaumont city spokeswoman Darci Carranaza.

The man too an undisclosed amount of cash before threatening the employee. He forced her out of the antique store and tried to flee in her vehicle, according to Carranza’s press release.

The woman got away from her attempted kidnapper before he  was able to take her vehicle. She flagged down a passing motorist, who called 9-1-1.

The attempted kidnapper, identified as  Richard Lee Haussner,  39, of Yucaipa, fled on foot but police and California Highway Patrol officers quickly arrested him.

The female victim was not injured during the incident, according to Carranza’s press release.

Police officers did not find a gun on  Haussner when they arrested him.

He will be booked into Riverside County Jail and charged with armed robbery, burglary, kidnapping, and criminal threats.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Detective Bureau of the Beaumont Police Department at (951) 769-8500.

East Valley Calendar

Yucaipa: February 22-27, 2010

February 22, 2010

*City Council Meeting

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: 34272 Yucaipa Boulevard, Yucaipa

Description: Council meetings are open punlic meetings and are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month in the Council Chambers of Yucaipa City Hall.

February 24, 2010

*Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: 34272 Yucaipa Boulevard, Yucaipa

Description:The Parks and Recreation Commission meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of each month.

February 27, 2010

* Calf Sorting and Team Penning

Time: Sign Ups 8:00 AM; Sorting 9:00 AM;

Price: Adults $20; Juniors $10

Location: Yucaipa Equestrian Center, 13273 California Street, Yucaipa

Contact: (909) 795-0268

February 28, 2010

Yucaipa Senior Center:

*Meals for Mom

Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Description:Are you a family on-the-go who needs some help with dinner? Chef Malissa will shop, chop, and prepare the ingredients for each of the meals. All you do is assemble your meals, attach the labels, and freeze. Each consists of 5 entrees. Ages 18 and above. Non residents add $4 per class. 4 servings/entree: $170 per person or $300/ 2 people, 6 servings/entree: $190 per person or $350/ 2 people.

Entrees: Grilled carne asada, baked sweet and sour chicken, basil shrimp with feta and orzo, stuffed bell peppers, penne with six cheeses.

 

Mentone February 22-27, 2010

February 22, 2010

Mentone Senior Center: Open 9 AM to 5 PM

*Exercise Group

Time: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Description: Free to attend. A gentle exercise session, following instruction DVD from the Arthritis Foundation. Focus is on coordination, core strength, balance and joint flexibility

 

*Census Testing

Time:10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Description: Test for census employment. Most jobs pay $15-$16 per hour.

Contact: (909) 446-7080

Additional Information: Maximum of 25 participants. www.2010censusjobs.com for more information.

 

*Beginning Line Dancing

Time:12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Description:Free to attend. A fun way to exercise with others. Bring your cowboy boots and hat (optional) if you have them.

Contact: Suzanne (909) 538-6492

 

*Intermediate Line Dancing

Time:1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

Description: Free to attend. For those who already know the basics.

Contact: Suzanne (909) 538-6492

 

*Wii Games

Time: 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM

Description: Activities include bowling, tennis, boxing and other virtual reality games

 

February 23, 2010

Mentone Senior Center: Open 8 AM to 5 PM

*Senior Breakfast

Time: 8:00 AM

Description: Age 60+ is $2, under 60 is $3. Start your day in a positive way with food and friends at the center. Reservations recommended.

Contact: (909) 794-5280

 

*Dept. of Aging Rep.

Time: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Description: Here to discuss topics relating to seniors, including how to access support and assistance with health, legal and tax issues.

 

*Beginning Hula

Time:10:00 AM

 

*Intermediate Hula

Time:11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Description: Free to attend. Must have previous expreience. Sarong optional.

Contact: Jill (909) 522-7281

 

*Advanced Hula

Time:1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Description: Free to attend. Must have previous experience. Sarong optional.

Contact: Jill (909) 522-7281

 

*Yoga

Time: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Description: Improve your overall health with yoga. Increase your strength, flexibility, balance and relaxation. Chair yoga emphasized in the beginning.

Contact: Elaine (909) 797-4778

February 24, 2010

Mentone Senior Center: Open 9 AM to 5 PM

*Exercise Group

Time: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Description: Free to attend. A gentle exercise session, following instruction DVD from the Arthritis Foundation. Focus is on coordination, core strength, balance and joint flexibility

 

*Literacy Program

Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Description: Free to attend. Want to learn to help others read? Need help learning to read?

Contact: Debbie (909) 792-3147

 

*Body Fit

Time:11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Description:Have fun while you strengthen your core muscles, loosen your joints, condition and tone your body without bulkin gup. Therabands and a floor mat or towel are recommended.

Contact: Jen (909) 936-6995

 

*Show Tap

Time: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Description: Free to attend. Tke your tapping to the next level with Show Tap. Live performances encouraged, but optional.

Contact: Jen (909) 936-6995

 

*Beginning Tap Dancing

Time: 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

Description: Free to attend. If you ever wanted to tap or tap again, here’s your chance. Tap shoes optional.

Contact: Jen (909) 936-6995

 

*Knitting Circle

Time: 2:45 PM to 5:00 PM

Description: Intermediate and advanced knitters. Get together to knit and socialize. Must have prior knitting experience.

Contact: (909) 739-7258

February 25, 2010: Open 9 AM to 5 PM

Mentone Senior Center

*Beginning and Intermediate Quilting

Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Description: Make a nine patch sampler quilt in just 6 weeks. Must register in advance.

Contact: Darlene (909) 820-1959

 

*Intermediate Computer

Time: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Description:Free to attend. Advance your computer skills with Jack as he offers a broader spectrum of training into the world of desk and lap top technology.

Contact: Jack (909) 792-8804

 

*Crazy Quilters

Time:10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Description:Free to attend. Start a new project or work on your UFO’s (unfinished objects). Bring your sewing machine and supplies and enjoy a morning of focused quilting time. We learn from, encourage and inspire one another.

Contact: Ellie (909) 794-5280

 

*Card Games

Time: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Description: Various games like Kings in the Corner, Rummy, Uno, Skipbo, etc. Free to attend.

 

*Veteran’s Meeting

Time:1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Description: Free to attend. Veteran’s of all ages and wars/conflicts are welcome to share their personal experiences which, together, create our national history. Hear speakers address topics of interest to all vets. Become involved in the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

Contact: Judy (909) 794-5280

 

*Wii Games

Time: 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM

Description: Activities include bowling, tennis, boxing and other virtual reality games

 

*Yoga

Time: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Description: Improve your overall health with yoga. Increase your strength, flexibility, balance and relaxation. Chair yoga emphasized in the beginning.

Contact: Elaine (909) 797-4778

 

February 26, 2010: Open 10 AM to 5 PM

Mentone Senior Center

*Beginning Computer

Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Description: Free to attend. Overcome your fear and knowledge deficit with Jack as he teaches fundamental skills in desk and lap top technologies.

Contact: Jack (909) 792-8804

 

*Hula Choreography

Time: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

For Instructors Only

 

*Intermediate Hula

Time: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

Description: Prior hula skills required. Sarong optional. Free to attend

Contact: Jill (909) 522-7281

*Advanced Hula

Time: 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

Description: Intermediate to advanced. Sarong optional. Free to attend.

Contact: Jill (909) 522-7281

 

February 27, 2010: Open 9 AM to 5 PM

Mentone Senior Center

*Needlepoint Group

Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Description: Must have prior experience. Free to attend. Bring your current project to work on and enjoy the company of other needle work artists.

Contact: Eva (909) 793-7258

 

*Beginning Conversational Chinese

Time:1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Description: Free to attend. Ward off Alzheimer’s by challenging your brain to learn a new language.

Contact: Grace (909) 289-3448

 

Beaumont: February 22-27, 2010

February 22, 2010

*WEE Learn Together at the Library

Time:10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Contact: Nancy Pickett Wood, literacy2@bld.lib.ca.us

Additional Information: www.bld.lib.ca.us

Description: Baby rhymes, stories, songs, stretches, bounces, active play and a discussion topic for adults are offered. Siblings of baby are welcome with some activities provided.

February 23, 2010

Beumont High School

*School Site Council Meeting at Beaumont High School

Time: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

 

*Board Meeting at District Office Board Room

Time: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

*Parent/Child Workshop

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Contact: Nancy Pickett Wood

literacy2@bld.lib.ca.us – 951-845-1357

Description:   Each session focuses on a child development topic of interest to parents and caregivers. An adult (18+) must stay with the child at all times and siblings of child (younger or older) are welcome.

*Beaumont Chamber Board of Directors Meeting

Time: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Contact: Beaumont Chamber of Commerce

info@beaumontcachamber.com

Description: The regular monthly meeting of the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, held in the Chamber conference room at 726 Beaumont Ave, Beaumont.

*Beaumont Planning Commission Meeting

Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Contact: City of Beaumont 951-769-8520

Additional Information: www.ci.beaumont.ca.us

Description: Regular Meeting of the Beaumont Planning Commission, held at Beaumont Civic Center, 550 E 6th Street, in Council Chambers

 

*Beaumont School Board of Trustees

Time: 7:00 pm

Contact: BUSD 951-845-1631

Description: Regularly scheduled School Board meeting, held at district headquarters located at 500 Grace Ave in Beaumont.

February 24, 2010

*San Gorgonio Pass High 12 Club

Time: 12:00pm

Contact: President: Chris Woodin 845-2773 Secretary: Ray Dunago 526-2904

Description: This organization will meet the last wed. of every month at noon.

Location: Elks Lodge 1465 E.6th St. Beaumont, Ca 92223

*Story Time and Crafts

Time: 3:30 PM

Location: Beaumont Library community room

Description: 6 to 12 year old are invited for stories and crafts.

February 25, 2010

*Bmt HS Athletic Booster’s Nite at Chili’s

Contact: Tracy Salinas customtrophies@verizon.net/951-845-6311

Description: The Beaumont High School Althletic Booster Club benefits Beaumont High School participating sports. Presentation of flier is required, so please request via e-mail or phone.

 

*BBCV Local Realtors Caravan

Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Contact: pamlindgren@earthlink.net Pam Lindgren 951-945-2019

Description: Weekly Beaumont-Banning-Cherry Valley Realtor Breakfast and Caravan. We welcome Realtors, lenders and affiliates from all boards! Every Thursday at the El Rancho/Celebrities Restaurant in Beaumont. Tour is Beaumont, Banning, Cherry Valley, Cabazon & Whitewater . Tour contact is Pam Lindgren 951- 845-2019 Meeting/Speaker contact is Pam Lindgren.

*Preschool Learning Center

Time: 10:00 AM -11:30 AM

Description: Ages 3 to 5 years and caregivers

*Beaumont-Cherry Valley Rotary Meeting

Time: 12:00PM – 1:30PM

Contact: Arlon or Mary (951) 769-9005

Additional Information: www.beaumontrotaryclub.com

Description: We meet weekly on Thursdays. Weekly meeting of the Beaumont-Cherry Valley Rotary at Marla’s Restaurant,1310 E 6th St., Beaumont, CA 92223 (951) 845-2832

*Story Time at Chatigny Community Rec Center

Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Contact: Nancy Pickett Wood literacy2@bld.lib.ca.us – 951-845-1357

Additional Information: www.bld.lib.ca.us

Description:  Children and adults will experience the joy and pleasure of sharing books in a group as well as learning early literacy skills.

February 26, 2010

*Celebrate Recovery

Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Contact: Steve Baker 909-856-9170

Additional Information: Pure Rock Church , Beaumont, 6:00PM Description April 4 is the first meeting and then the meetings will be held on a regular basis every Friday from now on.

 

February 27, 2010

*Dr Seuss Birthday Party

Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

For ages birth to 12

*DMV Test Prep Class

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Contact: Lucy J Sims 845-1357

Description: This class is geared towards helping someone prepare and pass the DMV written test. Class is continuous and runs for 13 weeks. Participants can start or stop at any time. Class will be held at the Beaumont Library.

*Advanced Computer Class

Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Contact: Edmund Kiang 951-845-1357

Description:  Various instructional topics on computer use.
  
 

Calimesa: February 22-27, 2010

February 22, 2010

*Special City Council Meeting

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: Norton Younglove Multi-Purpose Center

February 23, 2010

*BNI Meeting

Time: 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM

Contact: Patricia Recor, Designs@UniversalImprints.com, (951) 609-5366

Resources: Facility Conference Room

Description: Every Tuesday Morning at Bobs Big Boy located at 540 Sandalwood Dr, Calimesa, CA 92320. We will be in the conference room at the back of the restaurant. No Fee to attend.

*Pass Business Connection EVENING Edition

Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Contact: Beverly Simmons

info@passbizconnection.com / 909-297-3620

Additional Information:

www.PassBizConnection.com

Description: Please join our group of business owners and representatives who share ideas and leads to promote the goal of “Keeping Business Local”. Visit our website for more information.

*New World Monuments Fountains and Nursery Mixer

Time: 6:00PM – 7:30PM

Contact Steve Carlson

calimesachamber@cybertime.net

Description :Mixer address: 31843 Outer Highway directions Take Live Oak Canyon Rd exit go to south side of FWY 10 turn right on Outer Highway 10 S go approx .8 mile to 31843 Outer Highway 10

February 27, 2010

*Mesa View Middle School PTSA 5K

Time: 8:00 AM

*Run with the Mustangs 5K Mesa View Middle School Fundraiser

Time: 8:00AM – 9:30AM

Contact: Debbie Miller millerfamilee@verizon.net

Description: Student Registration fee 25.00 18 or under. Adult Registration fee 30.00 before Feb 20 after or at the gate 35.00. Event parking at 6:00 am Race start at 8:00 am

*Journey to the Heart of Love

Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Contact: Alden E. Sproull Kairos: A Center for Spiritual Formation 909-801-4438

Description: A time for women and men to step aside and take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, spending time together learning about the significant influence women of the past can have on our lives in the 21st.Century.  

 

    BANNING: February 22-27, 2010

     

    February 22, 2010

  • Banning Senior Center:

    *STAS 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM

  • *Bridge 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

  • *Advanced Spanish 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

  • *Silver Sneakers 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

February 23, 2010

Nicolet Middle School

*B/G Basketball Game @ Mountain View: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Banning Senior Center:

*STAS 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM

*Knit and Crochet 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

*Pinochle 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

* Free Youth Acting and Improv class

Time:4:30 AM to 6:00 AM

Contact: Cindy Watson, (909) 645-6545

Description: Every Tuesday. Join the fun as we do some fun acting games, short skits and improvational acting. Ages 7 and up. In the Youth Arts and Events Basement 109 Second Street Banning across from the Woman’s Club at Hays Street.

*Noon-Rotary Club Meets

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Contact: Bob Little 951-849-6738

Additional Information:

http://www.banningrotary.org

Description: Rotarians meet each week at the Methodist Church located at 235 N. 2nd Street, near historic downtown Banning for fellowship and community service!

*Banning Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting

Time: 5:30 pm

Contact: City of Banning

www.ci.banning.ca.us

Description: Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting, at Banning City Hall

*Banning City Council Meeting

Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Contact: City of Banning 951-922-3105

Description: Regular meeting of the Banning City Council, in Council Chambers, at Banning City Hall.

February 24, 2010

Banning Senior Center

*STAS: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

*Silver Sneakers: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

*Quilting Class: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM

*BNI (Business Network Int’l.)-Pass Business Builders Chapter

Time: 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM

Contact: Linda Hanley 951-236-1919

Additional Information: www.bniriversidecounty.com

Description: Weekly Belonging to BNI (Business Network Int’l.)is like having dozens of sales people working for you …because all of them carry several copies of your business cards around with them.  We meet every Wednesday from 7:00AM-8:30AM at: Johnny Russo’s Italian Kitchen, 1335 W Ramsey St, Banning, CA 92220

*Kiwanis Meeting

Time 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Contact: Valerie Monroe 951-922-3838 valerie@valeriemonroe.com

Description: weekly meeting held at The Lakes Retirement community in Banning

February 25, 2010

Banning Senior Center

*STAS: 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM

*English Class: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

*Bridge: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

*Crafts: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

*Morning-Rotary Club Meets

Time: 6:45 AM

Contact: Jim Smith jim@jimsmithenterprisesinc.com (909) 226-3220

Description: The San Gorgonio Pass Rotary (Morning) Club will have their weekly meeting at Johnny Russo’s Italian Kitchen located at 1335 W. Ramsey Street in Banning

*Banning Economic Development Committee Meeting

Time: 6:00 pm

Contact: City of Banning 951-922-3105

Description: The Banning Economic Development Committee meets in the Large Conference Room at Banning City Hall.

February 26, 2010

Banning Senior Center:

*STAS: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

*Food Giveaway: 12:00 PM

*Bingo: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

*Banning Public Library – Cards for the Troops

Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Contact: Jaime Smith jaime@banninglibrarydistrict.org/951-849-3192

Description: Join us at the Banning Public Library for a very special program. We will be making cards and letters to send over to our troops who are fighting in the war. Come and help us send a little bit of spring to our troops.

21 W. Nicolet

Banning, CA 92220

(951) 849-3192

*Banning Public Library – Children’s Storytime & Craft

Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Contact: Jaime Heller

jaime@banninglibrarydistrict.org/ (951) 849-3192

Description: Every Saturday from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM the Banning Public Library has storytime and craft for all ages. Join us every Saturday morning in the Banning Public Library’s Youth Room for storytime and a craft! All ages are welcome!

*Black Heritage Day Celebration

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Contact: Cindy Watson (909) 645-6545

Additional Information: BanningCultural Alliance.org

Description: This free event will feature artwork by artists Al Milliner and Ottis Washington, as we honor a part of Culture & Americas history with costumed poetry & skits, great music, dancers and more. The event will be at the Banning Womans Club 175 W. Hays.

 

Cockfighting ring discovered in Yucaipa


YUCAIPA
- More than 600 roosters and hens were found at a Yucaipa property
Tuesday where authorities say they were bred and trained to fight.

No one was arrested and San Bernardino County sheriff’s
officials declined to say how many people they are looking for in
connection with the cockfighting ring.

U.S. Department of Agriculture workers took samples from 30
birds to test for Avian Influenza. Another five fowl were seized as
evidence and will be housed by county Animal Control.

The other 200 hens and 400 roosters will remain on the Yucaipa property in the 10000 block of Sprig Avenue.

Officials
believe the owners, who were likely selling and transporting some of
the birds to Mexico for cockfighting derbies, are out of the country.

The ring was discovered early Tuesday after eight local,
state and federal agencies joined together to serve a search warrant.
The Humane Society of the United States tipped the Sheriff’s Department
to the alleged activity three months ago.

A cockfighting magazine reported that the owners of the
Yucaipa property were breeding, raising, training, conditioning,
fighting and selling the birds, said Eric Sakach, a senior law
enforcement specialist with the HSUS.

“We will not allow this bloodsport to flourish in the County of San Bernardino,” said Sheriff Rod Hoops.

The case is being forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review.

Anyone with information is asked to call sheriff’s Deputy Chris Walkins at 909-387-3700.

Originally posted by Staff Writer Stacia Glenn.

Murder suspect arrested in Calimesa


A
Montclair man was jailed over the weekend for his part in a Jan. 26
botched attack in Twentynine Palms that ended in the death of his
accomplice.

Jason Wade Brown, 39, was taken into custody in Calimesa Saturday. He
is being held at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga on
suspicion of murder.

Sheriff’s investigators are still trying to identify a woman who was
with him the day Brown and 48-year-old Robbie Winnen allegedly broke
into a Twentynine Palms house and “savagely attacked” the homeowner.

The homeowner fired a gun at the trio in self-defense. One of the
bullets struck and killed Winnen, of Rancho Cucamonga. Brown and the
unknown woman fled in Winnen’s turquoise 1995 Ford Ranger, which was
found in Mira Loma a week later.

A motive for the attack has not been released.

Anyone with information on the woman’s identity is asked to call Detective David Johnson or Sgt. Frank Montanez at 909-387-3589

Originally posted by Staff Writer Stacia Glenn.

Substitute teacher arrested for assault

BEAUMONT – Police arrested a substitute teacher Thursday after she was accused of assaulting a student.

At approximately 2:45 p.m. Thursday, Beaumont police responded to a report from San Gorgonio Middle School administrators that a substitute teacher has assaulted a student. The incident took place at approximately 8:15 a.m. during a morning class period and was reported to the principal later in the day by students, according to a press release issued by Beaumont spokesperson Darci Carranza.

There were no visible injuries to the student involved in the incident.

Police worked with Beaumont Unified School District officials to take immediate action. Following the initial investigation, officers arrested the teacher, Kimberly Lavonne Fleming-McBeth, age 35, of Beaumont. She booked into Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on the charge of willful cruelty to a child, according to Carranza’s press release.

BUSD Superintendent Dr. Barry Kayrell said Fleming-McBeth passed her pre-employment background check. District officials took immediate action to terminate her employment and notified the state to ensure that she does not come in contact with any more students.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Detective Bureau of the Beaumont Police Department at (951) 769-8500.

Man arrested after pursuit

BANNING — Police arrested a man after a vehicle chase Thursday.

A Banning police officer tried to stop a 2006 Cadillac Escalade that was with false registration tabs. The vehicle did not stop and continued driving about 40 mph until it reached the 100 block of W. Wilson Street.

The officer suspected the driver of the Cadillac was intoxicated, according to a press release issued by the Banning Police Department.

When the vehicle reached the 200 block of W. Wilson Street, the suspect increased his speed to about 60 mph and the incident was upgraded to a vehicle pursuit.

The vehicle drove through Banning and onto the Morongo Indian Reservation reaching speeds of about 90 mph. Shortly after entering the reservation, officers lost sight of the vehicle. The pursuit was terminated and officers began an area check for the vehicle.

Officers later found the Escalade at a home in the 40000 block of Morongo Road. Police searched the property for the vehicle’s driver.

They found Michael Allen Leonard, 26, hiding in an outbuilding and taken into custody along with 34-year-old Lori Ann Holmes, who had an outstanding felony warrant.

After being taken to Banning Police headquarters, Leonard was processed and booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility for evading a peace officer, giving false Information to peace officer, driving under the influence unauthorized possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Leonard was also a parolee at large. Holmes was also booked at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility for the felony warrant.