A 51-year-old man from Apple Valley, identified as Garcia, was arrested after assaulting a deputy during a welfare check on a minor. The incident occurred on September 1, 2023, at approximately 3:23 p.m. in the 15200 block of Nokomis Road. Deputies A. Trousas and A. Montanez responded to the residence to check on the welfare of a minor who had been absent from school for over a week.
According to sheriff’s officials, Garcia became confrontational and violent with the deputies upon their arrival. Despite attempts to deescalate the situation, a brief struggle ensued, during which Garcia bit one of the deputies on the arm. The injured deputy received treatment for minor injuries at a local hospital.
Garcia was subsequently arrested and taken to the High Desert Detention Center. He has been booked on charges of battery against a peace officer and is currently held in custody with bail set at $100,000.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this investigation to contact Deputy Trousas at the Apple Valley Police Department at (760) 240-7400 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001.