BARSTOW, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A 35-year-old Barstow man was arrested Tuesday night after police say a domestic violence investigation escalated into a vehicle pursuit reaching speeds of up to 100 mph and ended with the suspect barricading himself inside a bathroom at an occupied residence.
Barstow Police officers were called at about 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, to a motel in the 1300 block of West Main Street regarding a domestic disturbance.
When officers arrived, they learned the suspect, identified as Gabriel Romero of Barstow, had allegedly assaulted his girlfriend and fled before police arrived.
According to police, officers also learned Romero had several active felony warrants for his arrest. While checking the area for him, officers spotted a speeding vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The driver failed to yield, committed additional traffic violations, and led officers on a pursuit through Barstow at speeds of up to 100 mph.
The pursuit ended in the 3600 block of West Main Street, where officers said Romero got out of the vehicle and ran into the desert behind nearby homes. Police said Romero then forced his way into an occupied residence, and officers chased him inside.
Romero locked himself in a bathroom before officers forced the door open and took him into custody without further incident.
He was later booked at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department High Desert Detention Center on suspicion of reckless evading, resisting arrest, domestic violence, and the outstanding felony warrants.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Officer Jaramillo at (760) 255-5111 or by email at ajaramillo@barstowca.org. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call the WE-TIP hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).
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