Probation Officers Find Hiding Suspect, Stolen Handgun, Firearms, and Ammo in Apple Valley

APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) – On Friday, February 21, 2025, San Bernardino County probation officers carried out a significant compliance check in Apple Valley, resulting in the discovery of a probationer hiding in a bedroom.

During a thorough search of the residence, officers uncovered twelve firearms, including a stolen handgun, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. As a result, two individuals were arrested.

The compliance checks extended beyond Apple Valley, with several residents reporting similar operations in Victorville.

At least one of these checks involved a SWAT team and a K9 unit, with a man being detained while officials conducted a detailed search of a home.

In addition to Friday’s operations, the San Bernardino County Probation Department had already conducted unannounced home checks during Super Bowl weekend to monitor individuals on probation for alcohol-related offenses, according to a prior VVNG article.

These checks were part of ongoing efforts to ensure that probationers were adhering to their court-ordered conditions.

During these inspections, probationers’ homes and vehicles were searched for alcohol, drugs, and other illegal paraphernalia. While most individuals were found to be in compliance, five arrests were made for probation violations, one for an outstanding warrant, and another for possession of ammunition.

Earlier this week, a separate crime suppression operation targeting gang activity and illegal firearms was carried out in Apple Valley, another VVNG article confirmed.

Dubbed Operation Consequences, the operation was conducted by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBCSD) in collaboration with several law enforcement agencies.

The operation, which ran from February 10 to 16, focused on individuals with known gang affiliations and those prohibited from possessing firearms. During the operation, law enforcement seized three firearms and confiscated suspected methamphetamine. In total, 19 felony arrests and 36 misdemeanor arrests were made.

Officials confirmed that the large-scale operation aimed at reducing violent crime and dismantling criminal street gangs will continue over the coming months.

Its primary objectives are to target individuals illegally possessing, manufacturing, or trafficking firearms.

Details regarding Friday’s operation, including the number of arrests and the specific name of the operation, have not yet been fully disclosed.

Authorities are expected to release more information as the investigation continues.