Deputies Find Nine Firearms, Stolen Gun And Ammunition In Apple Valley; Felon Arrested
APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A 56-year-old Apple Valley man was arrested after deputies investigating firearms found inside a detached garage recovered nine guns, including one reported stolen, along with a large quantity of ammunition.
According to a written statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Romulo Benitez, a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, was arrested Sept. 24 at the Barstow Superior Court, authorities said.
The investigation began at about 6:24 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, when deputies from the Victor Valley Station responded to a safekeeping call in the 13700 block of Natoma Road in the unincorporated area of Apple Valley.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, deputies contacted the reporting party, who had found multiple firearms inside a detached garage. Authorities said the firearms were allegedly associated with Benitez.
During the investigation, deputies located nine firearms, including one that had been reported stolen, as well as a large quantity of ammunition. Benitez was not located at the time, according to the written statement.
Deputies located Benitez at the Barstow Superior Court at 7:27 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24. He was arrested and transported to the High Desert Detention Center, where he was booked on weapons-related charges and possession of stolen property.
The Sheriff’s Department listed the alleged offenses as felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition and possession of stolen property.
Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the Victor Valley Station at 760-552-6800 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at 760-956-5001. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip or text the word “REPORT” to 844-909-3006. The Sheriff’s Department also provided an online reporting portal: https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites
