April 18, 2025 – Kern County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on April 15, 2025, at approximately 12:45 P.M., Kern County Sheriff’s Deputies from the Lamont Substation were dispatched to the area of Palm Avenue and Myrtle Avenue regarding multiple subjects inside a black Mercedes reportedly in possession of a rifle.

Deputies located the vehicle in the 8900 block of Hall Road and conducted a traffic stop. Upon contact, four suspects fled from the vehicle into a nearby apartment complex. The suspects were identified as Joel Cruz, age 21, Enrique Prieto, age 21, Jorge Guzman, age 23, and Julieanna Nunez, age 19.

Deputies quickly apprehended Jorge Guzman, Enrique Prieto, and Julieanna Nunez shortly after the foot pursuit began. Joel Cruz fled into a nearby apartment and hid from deputies.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a loaded .223 caliber short-barrel AR-15 style rifle and additional ammunition.

Deputies secured the area and issued verbal commands, Joel Cruz and an additional suspect, Anthony Guzman, age 20, exited the residence and were taken into custody without further incident. Joel Cruz was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance. Deputies served a search warrant for the residence which resulted in the discovery of additional ammunition, one handgun magazine and body armor. 

Joel Cruz, Enrique Prieto, Julieanna Nunez and Jorge Guzman were booked into the into the Kern County Jail for Felony weapon charges including PC 30605(A) -Illegal possession of an assault weapon, PC 148 (A)(1) – Resisting arrest, PC 182(A) – Conspiracy and PC 186.22(A) – Participation in a criminal street gang. Anthony Guzman was booked into the Kern County Jail for the following charges: PC 148(A)(1) – Resisting arrest, PC 32 – Accessory and PC 182(A)(1) – Conspiracy.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (661) 322-4040.

Source & photos: Kern County Sheriff’s Office