IE Man Threatens To Kill Family, Fires AR-15 Into Air; School Lockdown Prompted: Sheriff
HELENALE, CA — A 28-year-old Inland Empire man was taken into custody Tuesday after reportedly firing a rifle into the air and threatening to kill family members during a heated argument, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said Wednesday.
Deputies from the Victor Valley Station were called to the 13000 block of Crystal Avenue in Helendale around 11:24 a.m. on Dec. 9 after receiving reports of a disturbance involving an armed man.
When deputies arrived, they learned the suspect, identified as Bryan Estrada, had retrieved a rifle during an argument with a relative, fired it into the air and threatened to kill everyone there.
Estrada had also demanded money from the victim, Officer Jenny Smith told Patch.
Authorities first attempted to negotiate with Estrada by phone, but he initially refused to leave the home. After a brief period, Estrada exited the home and surrendered to deputies without further incident.
A search warrant was executed at the property, where deputies recovered an AR-15 rifle, a handgun and spent shell casings.
The incident caused a stir in the area, prompting the
"We appreciate everyone's patience as we tried to get information as quickly as possible in order to determine the best courses of action. Our number one priority is to keep all of our students and staff safe," the district said.
Estrada, an Adelanto man, is being held at the High Desert Detention Center in lieu of $50,000 bail, according to county jail records. He faces charges of making criminal threats and attempted robbery.
Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Victor Valley Station at 760-552-6800 or Sheriff's Dispatch at 760-956-5001. Anonymous tips may be submitted through the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME.
