On Thursday, April 1, 2021, at approximately 9:45 a.m., Cal Fire reported their fire engine was stolen near Cooley Street and Pedley Street in San Bernardino. The fire engine was momentarily unattended in front of a mechanic shop. Cal Fire personnel assigned to the engine were not on a call for service at the time. A Hispanic male adult was witnessed driving away in the fire engine.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff’s Aviation 40-King, and California Highway Patrol officers canvassed the area to search for the stolen fire engine. At approximately 10:05 a.m., the fire engine was observed exiting the southbound 215 freeway at University Avenue. Deputies and officers conducted a felony traffic stop and detained the driver of the fire truck. The suspect was identified as Mario Gomez, 44-years-old of Crestline.
The fire engine was released to Cal Fire. Gomez was arrested and booked at the Central Detention Center for VC 10851(a) – Grand Theft Auto.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Central Patrol Station. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Deputy B. Becker
Station: Central Patrol Station
Phone No. (909) 387-3545
Report: 012100846