Suspect arrested after chase ends in gunfire in Joshua Tree area, authorities say

Jonathan Rodriguez, 20, was described as "armed and dangerous."

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Saturday, September 21, 2024 11:00PM
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JOSHUA TREE, Calif. (KABC) -- A suspect who allegedly opened fire Saturday at the end of a chase in the Joshua Tree area has been arrested following an hours-long manhunt, authorities said.

Jonathan Rodriguez, 20, was described as "armed and dangerous" in a news release issued shortly before noon by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Early Saturday morning, deputies from the Morongo Basin sheriff's station assisted the Riverside County Sheriff's Department during the pursuit, the statement said.

Rodriguez abandoned the vehicle in the 60800 block of Mountain View Trail, just south of Friendly Hills Park, "and subsequently fired several rounds from a firearm," according to the news release.

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No law enforcement officers were injured.

Hours later, just before 2:30 p.m., Rodriguez was found inside a home on Pueblo Trail and was taken into custody without incident.

"We would like to thank the residents and visitors of Joshua Tree for their patience and assistance in providing information during this investigation," read a statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

The incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information about Rodriguez's whereabouts is urged to contact the sheriff's dispatch center at (909) 387-8313. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at (800) 78-CRIME (27463). Information may also be submitted at the We-Tip website.