One Phelan Carjacking Suspect, Second Remains at Large

Two Men Arrested for Attempting to Steal Hundreds of Gallons of Gas

Motorist Attempting to Avoid Road CA-138 Road Closure Locates Dead Body

PHELAN, Calif. – One armed carjacking suspect is behind bars, while the second suspect remains at large, authorities said.

Deputies responded to the Stater Bros Parking lot, located at 4059 Phelan Road in Phelan for the report of a carjacking at around 11:55 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2019. The 48-year-old male victim told deputies that two white adult male suspects approached him and asked for a ride and money. He refused to give them a ride and told them that he did not have any cash. One of the suspects brandished a handgun, then both of the suspect got into the victim’s vehicle and drove away. They fled heading east in the victim’s 2000 Mercedes SUV.

Less than an hour later, at 12:20 a.m., a car fire was reported at the intersection of Sundown Drive and Lime Road in Phelan. Deputies and San Bernardino County Firefighters responded to a fully engulfed in flames. The vehicle was determined to be the victim’s vehicle. Shoe impressions in the dirt led deputies to a home on Sundown Drive. Deputies made contact with the residents and Justin Willis, 32, of Phelan, was arrested for the carjacking and warrants. Jesse Rogers, 21, of Lake Havasu, is also a suspect but fled out the backdoor on foot when deputies arrived.

Justin Willis was booked at High Desert Detention Center where he is being held in lieu of $300,000.00 bail. Deputies are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Jesse Bransford Rogers. Willis was arrested in January 2019, for the theft of an off-road vehicle.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Detective J. Collins at Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station, Phelan Sub-Station, (760) 9 95-8781. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can report information to WeTip by calling 1-800-78-CRIME, or by accessing the website at www.wetip.com.