CHP ARRESTS ARMED ROAD RAGE SUSPECT, SEIZES ILLEGAL WEAPONS CACHE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2026
REDLANDS, Calif. — A road rage investigation on Interstate 10 led California Highway Patrol (CHP) investigators to recover dozens of illegal firearms, approximately 20,000 rounds of ammunition and arrest one suspect.
On July 15, the CHP received a report of a road rage incident involving a Ford and a Nissan on Interstate 10 near Live Oak Canyon Road. During the incident, the driver of the Ford allegedly pulled alongside the Nissan and pointed a handgun at its occupants. The victims reported the incident to CHP and provided investigators with the Ford’s license plate number.
CHP officers searched the area but could not locate the Ford. Inland Division Investigative Services Unit investigators later identified the driver as Robert Valdez, 52, of Yucaipa, Calif.
On Aug. 4, investigators located Valdez and his vehicle in Redlands, conducted a high-risk enforcement stop, and arrested him without incident. During a search of the Ford, investigators recovered a revolver, additional ammunition, and speed loaders.
Later that day, investigators executed a search warrant at Valdez’s residence, where they recovered approximately 20 illegal firearms, including assault rifles, AR-15-style rifles, long-range rifles, shotguns, and suppressed handguns. Investigators also seized approximately 20,000 rounds of ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds, multiple firearm suppressors, and approximately 15 firearm milling fixtures used to illegally manufacture and modify AR-15-style lower receivers.
Valdez was booked at the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Central Detention Center on charges including brandishing a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an assault weapon, and possession of a suppressor.
“This investigation demonstrates our officers’ commitment to protecting the public by identifying dangerous offenders and removing illegal weapons from our communities. Their diligence prevented these weapons from posing a greater threat to public safety and reflects the CHP’s unwavering commitment to keeping California’s communities safe.”
Chief Tariq Johnson
Commander of CHP’s Inland Division
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Harrison Stewart of the CHP Inland Division's Investigative Services Unit at (909) 806-2400