REDLANDS, Calif. — A man was arrested Feb. 21 on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats and a hate crime after he allegedly brandished a firearm and threatened another man in a Home Depot parking lot, Redlands police said.
The incident occurred at the Home Depot on West Lugonia Avenue, where the victim reported that the suspect pointed a gun at him while making threats to kill him. The suspect also made comments about the victim’s perceived nationality, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation, according to police.
The suspect then got into the passenger seat of a vehicle that drove away, but the victim was able to record the license plate and alert authorities. Officers later located the vehicle in a shopping center parking lot near Wabash and East Lugonia Avenue.
Police said the suspect was taken into custody without incident and was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm.
Other Recent Arrests and Investigations
Redlands Police Department Weekly Update (Feb. 20-27)
Rape Investigation: Police are investigating a reported rape that occurred early Feb. 25 after a woman said she was assaulted at gunpoint. Officers contacted the victim at a Fontana emergency room, where a friend had taken her for medical treatment, police said.
The woman reported that she met the suspect on Snapchat and arranged to meet in a restaurant parking lot in Redlands. After getting into the suspect’s vehicle, he allegedly drove a short distance before pulling out a firearm and demanding she perform sexual acts. The suspect then took the woman’s phone before dropping her off and driving away, police said. The investigation is ongoing.
DUI Arrest: Police responded late Feb. 22 to a Carl’s Jr. parking lot on West Colton Avenue, where they found a man passed out in his running vehicle with his foot on the brake and the car still in gear. When officers woke him, he released the brake, causing the vehicle to roll into a patrol unit. He was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Burglary Thwarted: A homeowner in the 1600 block of Crestview Road called police Feb. 21 after spotting two masked men with backpacks in his backyard. The suspects had jumped the fence and disabled the home’s surveillance cameras. The homeowner activated a siren and lights, scaring them off. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects.
Business Burglary: A man was arrested on suspicion of burglary early Feb. 21 after officers responded to an alarm at Redlands Galleria on East State Street. While the building initially appeared secure, an employee arrived and reported internal motion sensor activations.
A search of the three-story building led officers to a suspect hiding behind displays. Police recovered silver coins taken from a forced-open display case and determined the suspect had entered before closing and remained inside.
