Pursuit suspect arrested after intentionally ramming deputies' vehicles: authorities

A man was arrested after authorities said he intentionally crashed his car into deputies following a pursuit in San Bernardino County.

Stephen Bloomer, 52, of Twentynine Palms was arrested for the destructive incident, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed.

On Dec. 16, deputies spotted the suspect’s Corvette speeding on Twentynine Palms Highway, near the intersection of Torres Avenue in Joshua Tree shortly before 1 p.m.

Authorities tried pulling Bloomer over but he refused, leading patrol units on a chase.

As he continued driving erratically and speeding down the road, deputies said they canceled the pursuit for the safety of other drivers.

Later that day, a California Highway Patrol officer spotted Bloomer and his Corvette at a Circle K in Morongo Valley. The CHP officer attempted to detain the man but at that moment, he reversed his Corvette and crashed into the CHP vehicle. 

A second deputy who arrived at the scene parked their patrol car near the Circle K lot. The vehicle was occupied by a third deputy inside.

At that moment, the suspect stepped on the gas pedal to accelerate and rammed directly into the occupied patrol car, officials said. The deputy inside suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment. He was later released.

Bloomer was apprehended at the scene and arrested for attempted murder of a peace officer and felony assault on a peace officer.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to call Deputy Richard Maldonado or Detective Tyler A. Bengard of the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station at 760-366-4175. 

Anonymous tips can be provided to We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 or online at wetip.com.