Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Toddler dropped off by cigarette thief during police pursuit

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Armed Man Steals from 3 Stores, Leads Police on Pursuit before Being Caught

Suspect Dropped Off Uninvolved Adult and Toddler during High-Speed Chase

A suspect who stole 1,200 packs of cigarettes and led police on a wild pursuit was found to have dropped off an uninvolved adult and a toddler during the chase, authorities said.

Background and Incident

On Friday, deputies from the Yucaipa Police Station were dispatched to an ARCO gas station in the 34800 block of Yucaipa Road on calls of a robbery. Upon arriving at the gas station, investigators learned that two suspects entered the employee area of the business and were observed trying to steal multiple cases of cigarettes.

The Theft and Pursuit

An employee confronted the two suspects and attempted to retrieve the property, but the suspects were able to steal two cases of cigarettes containing 600 packs valued at over $6,000. After the theft, the pair fled the area in a gray Tesla. The suspect vehicle was located shortly after at an apartment complex in unincorporated Bloomington, and when deputies attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle immediately fled the area at a high rate of speed, and a pursuit was initiated.

High-Speed Chase

The suspect vehicle was followed by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation Division, who assisted in the incident and followed the suspect vehicle as it traveled west on the 10 Freeway at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. The suspect vehicle exited the freeway in Ontario and dropped off a second person and a toddler near the Ontario Mills mall. Deputies located and detained the passenger with the toddler, who were later determined to be uninvolved in the theft.

Catching the Suspect

After dropping off the adult and toddler, the suspect continued to flee, this time heading east on the 10 Freeway and exiting at Cherry Avenue in Fontana. He ditched the vehicle and fled into a business parking lot on foot but was caught by Fontana Police Department officers shortly after.

Arrest and Charges

The suspect, 23-year-old Vontray Britt of Fontana, was identified and arrested. He was booked at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga on multiple charges, including strong arm robbery, felony child endangerment, felony failure to yield, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy. The two stolen cases of cigarettes were found in the vehicle he was driving.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities are still working to identify the second suspect involved in the cigarette theft. Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy A. Bremer or Detective M. Andrade at the Yucaipa Police Station.

FAQs

  • What was stolen during the incident?
    • 1,200 packs of cigarettes valued at over $6,000
  • How was the suspect caught?
    • He was caught by Fontana Police Department officers after fleeing on foot
  • What charges is the suspect facing?
    • Strong arm robbery, felony child endangerment, felony failure to yield, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy
  • Is there an investigation ongoing?
    • Yes, authorities are still working to identify the second suspect involved in the cigarette theft
  • How can I report information about the incident?
    • Contact Deputy A. Bremer or Detective M. Andrade at the Yucaipa Police Station or submit an anonymous tip through the We-Tip Hotline (1-800-782-7463) or www.wetip.com
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