Two Arrested After Apple Valley Deputy-Involved Shooting

Two 19-Year-Old Apple Valley Men Arrested for Murder

Family Still Seeking Answers Two Years After the Murder of Apple Valley Man

APPLE VALLEY – A transient couple who frequents the areas of Hesperia and Apple Valley were arrested after a shooting at a pursuing deputy on Friday.

On October 5, 2017, at around 4:40 p.m., deputies from the Apple Valley Station attempted to stop a white Volkswagen near Iroquois Road and Sholic Street for vehicle code violations. The female driver failed to yield and lead deputies on a pursuit. As the driver fled from deputies, the male passenger shot at the deputy. The pursuit ended near Seminole Street and Yucca Loma. Both suspects exited the vehicle and a deputy-involved shooting occurred. The suspects, later identified as Richard Seevers, 32, and Ronnieca Berneice Hernandez, 20, fled on foot through several nearby yards. Eventually, they were located and taken into custody.

A firearm was located near where the suspects, who were both known gang members of the East Side Verdugo Gang in the High Desert, were apprehended. No one was injured as a result of the incident. Both suspects were transported and booked at the West Valley Detention Center. Ronnieca Berneice Hernandez is being held in liue of $100,000 bail. Hernandez was arrested for evading deputies with disregard for safety, promoting a criminal street gang, and for being a felon in possession of a weapon. Richard Seevers was found to be on felony parole for Shooting at an Inhabited Dwelling, Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Burglary, he is currently being held without bail. He is now facing charges of attempted murder, promoting a criminal street gang, being a felon in possession of a firearm, being in possession of ammunition, and parole violation. He is being held without bail.

Investigators from the Specialized Investigations Division-Homicide Detail responded to the location and assumed the investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Sheriff’s Homicide Detail, Detective Kevin McCurdy or Sergeant Jerry Davenport at (909)387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.