July 03, 2008

CA crime crackdown ends with 1,203 arrests

By Beatriz E. Balenzuela
The Daily Press

VICTORVILLE, Calif. — During the month-long "Operation Desert Heat" crime crackdown, robberies and carjackings fell sharply and more than 50 parolees were sent back to state prison, officials said Tuesday.

Local robberies dropped by 41 percent from the same time last year and carjackings fell by 40 percent, according San Bernardino County sheriff's officials.

A total of 1,203 arrests were made during the effort, which targeted criminal gang activity in the Victor Valley.

"I'm convinced we have made a positive impact on gangs and crime in the Victor Valley," said Sheriff Gary Penrod in a released statement.

More than 430 people were arrested on warrant violations and 88 people were placed on an immigration hold, said Arden Wiltshire, spokeswoman for the Sheriff's Department.

The operation leaves many asking, "What happens now?"

"We will continue to monitor the criminal activity in the Victor Valley and will be conducting future operations," Penrod said.

Many local city officials have shown interest in repeating the operation as needed, including 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt.

Mitzelfelt became a part of the operation when deputies became involved in a pursuit while the supervisor was riding along, officials said.

On June 20, at about 11:45 p.m., deputies attempted to stop a man in Victorville and headed toward Apple Valley, authorities said. The driver, Ivan Urtuzuastegui, 31, was arrested when he rolled his Honda over some spike strips, officials said.

Urtuzuastegui was found with drugs and was arrested.

The $250,000 Operation Desert Heat was funded by the cities of Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Adelanto, San Bernardino County and the sheriff's department.

The multi-agency operation included officers from California Highway Patrol, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, San Bernardino County Probation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.