Arrests Made in Apple Valley Walmart Arson

Staff Writer

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017

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APPLE VALLEY – Three Victorville residents were arrested for starting a fire at the Walmart store in Apple Valley. Authorities said that on April 2, 2017, at around 7:50 a.m. the trio went into the store located on State Highway 18 and Bass Hill Road in the Town of Apple Valley. While in the store, they decided to start a fire to create a distraction while they attempted to steal items. After starting the fire, the three later identified as Victoria Gayosso, 29, Jessi Cardenas, 31, and Artel Brown, 24, all fled the scene.

The store remained closed for several days for cleanup and for the investigation. Meanwhile, it appeared as though the trio had eluded authorities. Rather than laying low, the suspects went out again on Monday, April 10, 2017, at 7:45 a.m. The Loss Prevention at the Apple Valley Target Store, approximately ½ mile from the Walmart store noticed Cardenas, Brown, and Earl Turner, 21 stealing items. Deputies and Detectives from the Apple Valley Station responded to the scene. Cardenas was taken into custody in the store while Brown and Turner were witnessed leaving the parking lot in a U-Haul truck. Deputies conducted a traffic stop near Bass Hill Road and State Highway 18. Brown and Turner were taken into custody without incident, Gayosso was located at her motel in the City of Victorville.

All suspects were booked into the High Desert Detention Center, Gayosso, Cardenas and Brown with arson of an inhabited structure, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Brown and Turner were also booked for shoplifting.

Turner has since been released and has no court date scheduled at this time. Brown is scheduled to appear at the Victorville Superior Court on Tuesday afternoon for the shoplifting charge and on Wednesday afternoon for the arson charge. He is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail for the arson and $7500 for the shoplifting charge. Gayosso is being held in lieu of $250,000 for arson and conspiracy. She is scheduled to appear at the Victorville Superior Court on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Cardenas is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail for arson and conspiracy. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s officials said that the Walmart store continues to conduct their internal investigation, so the total loss and damages remains unknown.