(Thechieftainspear) – Nine individuals have been arrested in connection to the theft of more than 200 propane tanks from an AmeriGas facility in San Bernardino County, authorities said.
The suspects, all from Lancaster, were taken into custody on felony charges including commercial burglary, possession of stolen property, possession of a stolen vehicle, vehicle theft, and illegal weapons possession. The individuals arrested are:
-
Jerrica Spencer, 27
-
Vidal Barrios, 37
-
Moises Labra, 38
-
Javier Benitez, 44
-
Pedro Rodriguez, 45
-
Michael Berkheimer, 54
-
Aurelio Valdez, 68
-
Sergio Santiago-Torres, 68
-
Jose Morena, 74
On April 29, sheriff’s deputies responded to a call from AmeriGas at 16575 Daisy Road in Adelanto around 12:08 p.m. Workers reported that over 200 propane tanks had been stolen, but the suspects had already fled the scene before deputies arrived.
Law enforcement quickly launched an investigation, serving four search warrants at various properties in Lancaster and the Victor Valley areas. During the searches, officers recovered the stolen tanks, as well as several illegal firearms and 11 stolen vehicles.
This incident is not the first of its kind. A similar theft occurred on March 31 at the same AmeriGas facility, where more than 100 propane tanks were stolen. In that case, authorities executed a search warrant in Palmdale, recovering 160 propane tanks.
The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement is urging anyone with additional information to contact Deputy C. Lajuj at the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station at 760-552-6800. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at 1-800-782-7463 or online at wetip.com.
Let me know if you’d like further changes!
