Barstow Man Arrested After Threatening Two Victims with a Gun

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BARSTOW – A 45-year-old Barstow man was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon on Saturday. At around 6:00 a.m. Joseph Friend went to the home of a victim who lives on Webster Road. Authorities said the Friend knew the victim personally. The two got into a verbal altercation and Friend punched the victim and brandished a firearm. Friend then pointed the gun at the victim’s face and threatened to shoot him. Before leaving the home, Friend fired multiple rounds into the floor of the victim’s home.

After leaving the home of the first victim, Friend drove to a nearby rock quarry on Soapmine Road. While there he confronted a second victim at his home. He also knew the second victim personally. Friend again brandished a handgun, pointed it at him, and threatened the victim. During a struggle with the second victim, the victim was able to take the gun from Friend and forced him to leave the location.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and Barstow Police were dispatched to the area. Both victims were interviewed and the handgun used during the incidents was turned over to authorities. Deputies and Police then responded to Friend’s home on Webster Road, where Friend was arrested without further incident.

When speaking with authorities, Friend admitted to being under the influence of alcohol and methamphetamine during the incidents. A small amount of methamphetamine was located at Friend’s home. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Friend was booked into the High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto where he was booked for Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Criminal Threats, and Burglary.
Friend is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail and is scheduled to appear at the Victorville Superior Court on Tuesday, January 24, 2017. Anyone with additional information regarding this case can contact Deputy Daniel Evans or Sergeant Anthony Padfield at the Barstow Sheriff’s Station.