On Thursday, May 27, 2021, at about 8:35 P.M., a deputy from the Barstow Sheriff's Station responded to a call for service in the 46000 block of Tonopah Street, Newberry Springs.

    The deputy was in the area of Holcomb Trail when he discovered a possible illegal marijuana cultivation operation.  As the deputy made a U-turn, the suspect, Adolfo Sanchez-Morales, shot at him striking the patrol vehicle.  The bullet went through the driver's side of the windshield and exited the front passenger side window.

    Personnel from the Barstow Station, Apple Valley Station, Victor Valley Station, California Highway Patrol, Barstow Police Department and Sheriff's Aviation responded to the scene.  Sanchez-Morales was located hiding in the desert and the .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun was found nearby where he buried it.

    Sanchez-Morales was arrested and booked into the High Desert Detention Center.  There were three other males located at the scene; they were released after being interviewed.

    The San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office filed charges of: PC664-PC187(A): Attempted Murder (Felony), PC12022.53(B): Used A Firearm (enhancement), PC12022.53(C): Discharged a Firearm (enhancement), PC245(a)(2): Assault with Firearm on Person (Felony), PC12022.5(A): Used a Firearm (enhancement), PC246: Shoot At Inhabited Dwelling/Vehicle/Etc. (Felony) and PC12022.5(A): Used a Firearm (enhancement) against Sanchez-Morales.

    On Friday, May 28, 2021, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Marijuana Enforcement Team, along with other personnel from the Narcotics Division, responded to the incident location and served a search warrant.

    During the service of the warrant, the illegal marijuana cultivation operation was confirmed and nearly 4000 marijuana plants were located and destroyed.

    There are over 500 active outdoor marijuana grows in San Bernardino County.  Residents, off-roaders and recreationalists should use caution and avoid the area of illegal outdoor marijuana grows as they pose a significant safety risk.  The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is working expediently as possible to address the issue.

    On Wednesday, June 16, 2021, the Honorable Judge Joseph Widman held Sanchez-Morales to answer for the above charges with a bail amount set at $1,000,000.00.  The next scheduled court date for Sanchez-Morales is June 23, 2021.