Suspect Steals Running Vehicle from Apple Valley Driveway, Abandons It After Chase

APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Authorities are investigating a vehicle theft and subsequent pursuit that ended with the suspect abandoning the stolen vehicle in an Apple Valley neighborhood.

The incident began on Thursday, December 11, 2025, when investigators with the Apple Valley Station responded to a stolen vehicle report at a residence in the 20000 block of Rimrock Road.

The victim reported he had left his vehicle running and unattended when it was taken, according to a written statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies conducted an area check and located the vehicle near the intersection of Cahuilla Road and Laguna Seca Road.

As deputies approached, the vehicle fled, initiating a pursuit. After a short chase, the vehicle was found unoccupied near the intersection of Quinnault Road and South Road.

The suspect remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.

The Apple Valley Police Department reminds residents not to leave their vehicles running and unattended, even briefly. “Unattended idling increases the risk of theft,” the department said in the statement. “Residents are urged to turn off the engine, take the keys, and lock doors each time they leave the vehicle. This simple step keeps our community safer and reduces preventable incidents.”

Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact the Apple Valley Police Station at (760) 240-7400 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Anonymous tips can be submitted to the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or online at www.wetip.com.

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