HESPERIA – An Apple Valley felon with known gang ties was arrested after the High Desert Gang Enforcement Team made contact with him on Wednesday morning. At around 10:30 a.m. the High Desert Gang Enforcement Team was conducting a proactive patrol in the City of Hesperia when they conducted a traffic stop on Birch Street near 2nd Avenue.
The vehicle stopped and two White men ran from the vehicle. One of the men threw a backpack away from the vehicle as they fled. Both men, identified as Michael Lanning and Steve Baird were apprehended and detained. The backpack was recovered and inside deputies located an assault rifle and two loaded 30 round magazines inside. Lanning was arrested and booked into the High Desert Detention Center. The report was submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for possible charges against Baird.
“This case is a perfect example of the hard work the men and women of this department do on a daily basis to keep our communities safe. Our Gang Teams will continue to target gang members that are terrorizing our communities,” stated Sheriff John McMahon.
Authorities encourage residents to report suspicious activity, persons, and/or vehicles in their neighborhood.”Criminal activity can be reduced by working together with law enforcement officials. You are urged to call 911 for an incident that is occurring at that time or, the non-emergency dispatch number for the high desert is (760) 956-5001.
