LO ANGELES, CA – Authorities are asking for the public’s help identifying three young suspects accused of cutting through a fence, breaking locks and discharging fire extinguishers during a vandalism incident at a water utility property in Apple Valley.
The vandalism occurred shortly after 7:45 a.m. on May 5 in the 24700 block of Standing Rock Avenue, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Investigators said the suspects were seen cutting through a fence surrounding a commercial property, forcing their way into secured areas by breaking several locks and then discharging fire extinguishers inside or around the facility.
A property within that block is operated by the Thunderbird County Water District, which lists its office at 24737 Standing Rock Road in Apple Valley.
The district is a public water provider serving the surrounding area. State drinking-water records identify Thunderbird County Water District as an active community water system in San Bernardino County. The California State Water Resources Control Board lists the system as serving more than 1,000 people through hundreds of residential connections.
Authorities have not said whether the vandalism disrupted water service or damaged equipment directly involved in water production or distribution.
They also have not released an estimate of the financial damage.
As the investigation continued, deputies obtained surveillance footage showing what they described as two unknown White males and one unknown White female.
The Sheriff’s Department said the three may be juveniles.
Investigators also believe the suspects could be current or former students at Granite Hills High School, which is located several miles from the utility property.
Authorities have not said what evidence led them to that possible connection.
The surveillance footage provided another clue that could help identify at least two of the suspects.
According to investigators, one of the males could be heard being called “Damon,” while the female could be heard being called “Leah.”
Police have not confirmed whether those are the suspects’ actual names.
Still images released from the surveillance video show at least two members of the group wearing motorcycle-style helmets.
Officials have not said whether the suspects arrived on motorcycles, dirt bikes, bicycles or another type of vehicle.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has not announced any arrests in the case.
Although the initial report described the property as commercial, the location is associated with the Thunderbird County Water District, whose official website identifies the Standing Rock Road address as its district office. The district’s public website also lists an emergency contact number for water leaks and other service issues.
Because utility facilities can contain restricted infrastructure, fencing, locks and controlled-access areas are generally intended to keep unauthorized people away from operational equipment.
Investigators have not indicated that the suspects tampered with water treatment systems, wells or other critical infrastructure.
The known allegations are limited to cutting the fence, breaking locks and discharging fire extinguishers.
Authorities also have not said whether anything was stolen.
The case is being investigated by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, which provides law enforcement services across communities in the High Desert through several patrol stations.
The department’s Apple Valley Patrol Station provides contracted law enforcement services for the Town of Apple Valley and works with other local agencies on crime and quality-of-life issues.
The original information provided in the case directs tips to the Victor Valley Station, where investigators can be reached at 760-552-6800.
The Sheriff’s Department’s Victor Valley Patrol Station lists that same number as its main contact line.
The department also lists 760-956-5001 as its non-emergency dispatch number for the desert region.
Investigators are particularly interested in identifying the three people shown in the surveillance images and determining whether the names “Damon” and “Leah” correspond to the individuals involved.
Authorities have not released the suspects’ estimated ages, hometowns or any additional physical descriptions.
No motive for the vandalism has been announced.
Anyone who recognizes the suspects or has information about the May 5 incident is asked to contact the Victor Valley Station at 760-552-6800 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at 760-956-5001.
Anonymous information may also be submitted through the Sheriff’s Department’s tip-reporting options.
The investigation remains ongoing.
