Convicted Burglar Arrested for Theft During Fire Evacuations

HESPERIA – A 35-year-old Phelan man was arrested on Saturday night for the possession of a vehicle stolen during fire evacuations.

At around 9:00 p.m. deputies from the Hesperia Station noticed a pickup truck in a business parking lot in the 8000 block of Three Flags Road. The Toyota pickup truck had an affixed license plate attached that did not belong to it and that was reported lost or stolen.

Deputies also determined that the truck was also reported stolen on August 30, 2016, from the City of Hesperia. Deputies waited in the area until they witnessed the suspect get into the vehicle and leave the parking lot. Deputies initiated a traffic stop, but the suspect, later identified as Michael William Kessler continued driving.

Kessler eventually lost control in the dirt and fled on foot, but was detained shortly after. Kessler was arrested and booked into the High Desert Detention Center for possession of a stolen vehicle, being prohibited from owning ammunition, a probation violation, and two outstanding warrants.

At the time of these incidents, Kessler was out on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) for a first-degree burglary conviction.

During the theft of the evacuated residence other items, including guns were stole and are yet to be recovered. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hesperia Station Detective Bureau at 760-947-1500 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at 760-956-5001 or remain anonymous by contacting We Tip at 800-78-CRIME. Please help us get these stolen guns off the street.

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