05/27/2026
On Sunday, May 24, 2026, at approximately 8:19 P.M., Barstow Police officers responded to a report of grand theft at Walmart.
Walmart Loss Prevention reported to officers that approximately 20 minutes prior, a black male adult entered the store, selected three Ninja-brand Slushie machines, removed the security devices, and exited without paying. The total loss was estimated to be over $1000.
The suspect left the area in a black Kia SUV. Officers collected surveillance video and continued the investigation to identify and locate the suspect.
While responding to a separate call for service, officers recognized the black Kia SUV driving in an apartment complex, in the 500 block of E. Virginia Way. When the driver, later identified as 19-year-old San Bernardino resident Gery Gray, saw the officers in the area, he quickly parked and exited along with other subjects. Officers contacted Gray, who matched the suspect from the Walmart theft, and detained him. As officers contacted the other subjects who had exited the vehicle, Gray suddenly ran from them. Officers chased after Gray but briefly lost sight of him.
Officers contained the area, continued investigating the incident, located Gray in a nearby apartment, and arrested him. Officers also towed the Kia, and during the vehicle search, one of the three stolen Ninja-brand Slushies was located and later returned to Walmart.
Gray was booked at the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto for PC 4532 (s)(2)- Attempt to Escape Custody, PC 459 – Burglary, PC 487(a) – Grand Theft, and PC 69(a) – Resisting an Officer.
Anyone with information regarding this incident may contact Officer Gatti at [email protected] or at (760) 255-5111. Those wishing to remain anonymous may provide information about this case by calling WE-TIP hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27469) or by visiting www.wetip.com.