APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A 29-year-old Barstow man has been arrested in connection with a robbery that occurred at a Circle K in Apple Valley on Christmas Eve.
Deputies responded to a robbery at the Circle K located at 18465 State Highway 18 on December 24, 2025, at approximately 3:14 a.m.
According to a written statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, a store clerk reported being assaulted by an unknown male suspect, who stole approximately $100 from the register before fleeing the scene.
The clerk sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by emergency medical services.
Investigators later identified Michael Santacruz as the suspect, and an arrest warrant was issued.
On January 15, 2026, detectives with the Apple Valley Detective Bureau located and detained Santacruz without incident. He was transported to High Desert Detention Center, where he was booked for robbery and a probation violation. Santacruz is currently being held without bail.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is urged to contact the Apple Valley Police Station at (760) 240-7400 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or visit www.wetip.com.
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