Barstow Police Arrest Gang Member in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

BARSTOW, Calif. – A male suspect was arrested after fleeing from pursuing deputies twice on Sunday authorities said.

Following the vehicle first fled the officers, Corporal Cardenas drove through the 200 block of E. Main Street and noticed a newer burgundy vehicle parked on the west curb with highlights on. Knowing what happened earlier, with a vehicle matching the description, Corporal Cardenas began to make a U-turn at Barstow Road and East Main Street. The burgundy vehicle pulled away from the curb in a hurry.

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As the vehicle fled westbound at speeds of around 70 mph in a 35 mph zone, the officer followed. As Corporal Cardenas caught up, the driver attempted to make a southbound turn onto Otis Avenue. “The vehicle plowed into the West corner colliding with the curb and planter behind a closed business,” Barstow Police officials said. “The suspect driver exited the driver’s side and immediately began to run southbound on Otis Ave attempting to jump over gates and fences.”

Corporal Cardenas chased the suspect and eventually caught up. The suspect, Tracy Denzel Venable, 24, was taken into custody. Venable told officers that he was wanted. The suspect’s vehicle was searched, during which time the officers located a loaded Glock19 9mm semi-auto pistol; loaded with one live round in the chamber and a full 16-round magazine with live rounds. When checking, Venable was found to have a no-bail probation violation for Gang Member participation.

Venable was booked into the High Desert Detention Center for active gang member in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, gang carrying a firearm in a public place, non-owner possess a firearm and a no-bail warrant for participating in a criminal gang.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Corporal M. Cardenas or the Barstow Police Department at (760) 256-2211. Those wishing to remain anonymous may also make a report by calling the WE-Tip hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME.