APPLE VALLEY (CBSLA.com) Federal and local law enforcement authorities Tuesday are investigating after 17 men were detained for reportedly firing off hundreds of rounds in a remote part of Apple Valley.
San Bernardino County Sheriffs deputies and an FBI agent were among the units that detained the men reportedly all of Middle Eastern descent who were camping out in the Deep Creek Hot Springs area Sunday morning, authorities said.
A 911 caller reported hearing over 100 shots fired and seeing five to seven men wearing turbans and shooting assault rifles, handguns, and shotguns, according to a Sheriffs Department statement.
A county sheriffs helicopter located the men walking near a creek with backpacks and other items, The Los Angeles Times reported.
Officials say the men were cooperative as they were detained and searched.
Several handguns, a rifle, and a shotgun were found at the scene, but a records check found all the weapons were registered with the exception of the rifle, which reportedly didnt have a serial number because it was purchased in parts, an FBI spokesperson told The Times.
Police scanner traffic posted online by the Victor Valley News Group described a large group of subjects wearing turbans and chanting at the scene.
They were up all night chanting Allah akbar-type stuff, an unidentified officer is heard saying on the audio recording.
None of the hikers interviewed by Sheriffs investigators say they witnessed any shots being fired, according to Sheriffs officials.
A photo of the arrests showing several men handcuffed at the scene was posted by the Victor Valley News Group but was not immediately confirmed by authorities.
All 17 men were eventually released because Sheriffs investigators say they had no outstanding warrants or criminal histories.
There was no evidence found that a crime had been committed by any of the subjects who were detained and they were released, a Sheriffs spokesperson said.
The FBI may conduct further interviews with the men to determine if any crimes were committed, The Times reported.
Poster Comment:
It's a mystery why they were even detained or arrested. Seems like a routine desert camping trip. Only several 100 shots among 17 men?
They need to bring more ammo next time!
Click to enlarge view Is that the snitch walking away with a large backpack, on the right?