Big Bear Lake, CA, March 17, 2015 – Shortly after 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 14th, deputies of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station responded to a disturbance in the Interlaken Shopping Center in Big Bear Lake. A witness observed a Hispanic male adult break into a vehicle in the parking lot and take items from inside the car. The witness chased the male suspect, who brandished a weapon and made threatening statements. The suspect then ran into the open field behind the shopping center. Less than 10 minutes later, deputies responded to a report of an attempted vehicle theft in the K-Mart parking lot. An unknown Hispanic male adult, matching the same description as the suspect from the Interlaken Shopping Center, broke into a vehicle in the parking lot. The suspect fled the area when the vehicle owner yelled at him to get out of the car. Deputies of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station and the Sheriff’s Aviation Division conducted a thorough ground and aerial search of the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. Following these incidents, the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station received several photographs of the suspect from private citizens via social media. As a result of the information received from observant witnesses, deputies were able to identify the suspect as 23-year-old Michael Reyes, Jr. Reyes has active felony warrants issued against him for prior criminal history of assault with a deadly weapon and drug related charges. A warrant for the arrest of Michael Reyes, Jr. was issued on March 15th by the San Bernardino County Superior Court. Reyes is a Hispanic male, 5’11”, 160 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. Through investigation and public assistance, deputies determined Reyes may be driving a tan or gold 1999 Toyota Camry with California License Plate #4DNA642. Anyone having information regarding the whereabouts of Michael Reyes, Jr. is requested to contact the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at (909) 866-0100. Information can also be reported anonymously by calling WE-TIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at www.wetip.com. The public is advised not to attempt to detain Reyes who is known to carry weapons and may become agitated if contacted.
