On Tuesday, October 19, 2021, investigators from the San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force conducted an investigation related to a 17-year-old victim of Human Trafficking rescued the day prior. While in the 600 Block of W. 5th Street in San Bernardino, investigators recognized a male suspect seen with the victim the day prior, walking through the parking lot of a local motel. Investigators attempted to contact the suspect, but he immediately became combative and fled on foot. The suspect led investigators on a foot pursuit that ended near the intersection of 4th Street and E Street, where he was taken into custody.
During the foot pursuit, the suspect identified as Keshawn Howard, removed a handgun from his person and discarded it near a public walkway. Investigators recovered the handgun and determined it was a 9mm "Ghost gun" with a fully loaded high-capacity magazine. Investigators also determined Howard was on active state parole for felony violations related to theft. Howard was transported to the Central Detention Center for processing and booking. Howard was booked for felony violation of parole for possession of a handgun.
The San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force is made up of investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, San Bernardino City Unified School Police Department, and Federal Agencies.
Community involvement plays an integral part in the fight against Human Trafficking, and law enforcement appreciates and encourages the assistance and information provided by the public. Anyone wishing to report activities or concerns related to Human Trafficking to the San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force, can do so directly by calling (909) 387-8400 or by email at humantrafficking@sbcsd.org. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME, or you may leave the information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.
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