The Inland Empire Crime Blog

On 12/10/09, deputies of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station responded to a reported fight involving five female students at Big Bear High School. Based on the information given by witnesses at the time of initial contact, the matter was believed to be a simple battery. Further investigation revealed that the suspects, four female students, met in the morning at school and conspired to beat up a female juvenile student and steal her cell phone.

While the victim was at her locker, two of the suspects pointed her out to the other two suspects. The four suspects then proceeded to knock the victim to the ground, and repeatedly kicked and hit her in the head and on her body. Following the assault, the four suspects took the victim’s cell phone and fled on foot. One of the juvenile suspects videotaped the incident on her cell phone.

The victim sustained minor injuries from the assault. Three of the juvenile suspects were booked into San Bernardino Juvenile Hall on felony counts of conspiracy, strong-arm robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and grand theft. An arraignment hearing for the juvenile suspects will be set by the Juvenile District Attorney’s Office upon review of the matter.

Suspect Amanda Preston was booked into the Big Bear Jail on the same felony charges in lieu of $100,000 bail. An arraignment hearing for Suspect Preston is scheduled for December 15, 2009 at the San Bernardino County Superior Court.

The arrests were effected as a result of the cooperation of the Big Bear High School staff with the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station.

Refer: Tiffany Swantek, PIO

Station: Big Bear Sheriff’s Station

Phone No. (909) 866-0100

Case No. 060901964

via Public Affairs Division.