Apple Valley police arrest convicted felon found unresponsive behind the wheel

APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A previously convicted felon was re-arrested after he was found unresponsive behind the wheel of a truck with a loaded handgun and meth, officials said.

It happened on January 11, 2019, at approximately 3:25 a.m., Sheriff’s Sergeant James Evans with the Apple Valley station observed a suspicious off-road pickup truck in the desert area east of the intersection of Central Road and Thunderbird Road.

According to a sheriff’s news release, the vehicle ‘s engine appeared to be idling and the truck was wedged into shrubbery as if it ran off the road.

“Evans couldn’t tell if the vehicle was involved in a traffic collision, was abandoned, or if the driver was suffering some type of medical emergency or fell asleep,” stated the release.

Sgt. Evans found the driver and sole occupant unresponsive but breathing. The vehicle was still in drive and a 1911 style combat handgun and drug paraphernalia next to the driver’s hand, officials said.

Additional deputies responded to assist and they quickly entered the truck and detained the driver, identified as Daniel Heller, 31, a resident of Nevada.

“The handgun was found to be loaded and a substantial quantity of methamphetamine was located in the console of the truck,” officials said.

Through investigation, deputies learned Heller is currently out on bail from an armed robbery charge in Nevada and an ex-felon making it illegal to possess a firearm.

Heller was arrested and booked at the High Desert Detention Center for multiple felony charges including Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Possession, and Transportation of over 6 ounces of methamphetamine and Possessing Methamphetamine while armed. His bail was set at $100,000.00.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Deputy Tyler Loup or Sergeant James Evans at the Apple Valley Police Department @760-240-7400. 

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