BARSTOW, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A Barstow man was arrested after allegedly holding his ex-girlfriend captive for several days and subjecting her to repeated physical and sexual assaults, officials said.
Officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance on Friday, November 28, 2025, at about 4:42 p.m. in the 400 block of West Fredricks Street.
When officers arrived, they detained 58-year-old Steven Shumate of Barstow.
Officers spoke with the victim, who reported that Shumate, her ex-boyfriend, had repeatedly assaulted her and held her against her will over the course of several days, according to a written statement from the Barstow Police Department.
The Barstow Police Department’s Detective Division took over the investigation. Detectives and an Evidence Technician processed the scene and collected additional evidence supporting the victim’s statement.
The investigation confirmed that the victim was both physically and sexually assaulted while being held captive.
Shumate was transported and booked at the High Desert Detention Center on the following felony charges:
- PC 664/187(a) – Attempted Murder
- PC 289 – Penetration with a Foreign Object
- PC 236 – False Imprisonment
- PC 273.5(a) – Domestic Violence
Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective Bryce Carson at (760) 256-2211 or by email at bcarson@barstowca.org. Anonymous tips may also be submitted via the WE-TIP hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27469) or online at www.wetip.com.
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