Four adults, three juveniles arrested after July break-in
HESPERIA, Calif. (Our Hesperia) — Seven suspects, including four adults and three juveniles, have been arrested following an investigation into the July burglary of a federally licensed firearms dealer on Hesperia Road, where authorities say a stolen SUV was used to ram through the business before numerous firearms were taken.
The burglary was reported at approximately 2:40 a.m. on July 12, 2026, at The Gun Locker in the 11800 block of Hesperia Road.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, those involved used an SUV to crash through the front of the business, allowing the suspects to enter the store and remove multiple firearms before fleeing.
Investigators later determined the SUV used during the burglary had also been reported stolen.
Deputies from the Hesperia Sheriff’s Station and detectives initially responded to the business to investigate. The case was later assigned to the Hesperia Gang Investigations Team for additional follow-up.
Authorities said investigators developed information identifying seven people believed to have been involved. The Sheriff’s Department described the suspects as gang members or associates with connections to Hesperia and San Bernardino.
As the investigation continued, deputies served multiple search warrants at residences across San Bernardino County. Investigators reported recovering evidence they believe connects the seven suspects to the Hesperia burglary.
The four adult suspects were identified as:
Erick Schwartzkopf-Rivera, 20, of Victorville
Jael Quintana, 18, of Highland
Evan Gonzalez, 20, of Lake Elsinore
Lilly Prickett, 20, of Phelan
Three additional suspects, ages 13, 15 and 17, were arrested. Their identities were not released because they are juveniles.
The adult suspects were booked at the High Desert Detention Center and West Valley Detention Center on various allegations that include vehicle theft, burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime, acting as an accessory to a crime and participation in a criminal street gang.
The three juveniles were booked into San Bernardino County Juvenile Hall.
Investigation handled by specialized Hesperia team
Hesperia’s Gang Team and Multiple Enforcement Team are used for investigations involving gang-related crimes and complex or continuing criminal activity that may require resources beyond routine patrol operations. The teams also work with probation, parole and other agencies during investigations involving suspected gang activity.
The investigation comes as San Bernardino County law enforcement agencies continue efforts aimed at organized theft, firearms offenses and gang-related crime.
Since 2023, the Sheriff’s Department has conducted a series of targeted retail-theft operations under its Operation Smash and Grab initiative. Hesperia, Victorville, Apple Valley, Rancho Cucamonga and Chino Hills have been among the communities included in those enforcement efforts.
Separate Operation Consequences investigations have focused more heavily on gangs, illegal firearms and people prohibited from possessing guns. During one April 2026 operation that included Hesperia and surrounding communities, authorities reported 76 arrests and the seizure of 76 firearms, including 10 unserialized firearms commonly referred to as ghost guns.
Vehicle-ramming gun store burglaries have occurred before
Using stolen vehicles to break into firearms businesses is not unique to the Hesperia case.
Federal prosecutors announced charges in 2024 against six men accused of participating in a nine-month series of burglaries targeting federally licensed firearms dealers throughout Southern California. Authorities said stolen vehicles were used to ram storefronts before suspects entered the businesses and removed firearms.
That investigation involved nine stores in communities including Murrieta, Poway, Ontario, Oceanside, Riverside, Camarillo, Simi Valley and Orange. More than 300 firearms were reported stolen during the series of burglaries and several attempted burglaries.
Federal authorities have said firearms stolen from licensed dealers are a particular concern because the weapons can move into illegal markets and later surface during unrelated criminal investigations.
National data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also shows vehicle-entry burglaries have been a recurring method used against federally licensed firearms businesses. ATF reported that 1,594 firearms were stolen in burglaries involving entry by vehicle during calendar years 2024 and 2025, although the number associated with that method declined substantially in 2025.
Investigation remains ongoing
The Hesperia investigation remains active, and deputies are continuing to pursue additional leads.
Authorities have not announced whether all of the firearms taken from The Gun Locker have been recovered or whether additional arrests are expected.
Anyone with information about the burglary or the suspects involved can contact the Hesperia Sheriff’s Station at 760-947-1500.
The charges and allegations against the suspects have not been proven in court. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
