THREE ARRESTED IN TWENTYNINE PALMS, STOLEN TRUCK RECOVERED

Three Twentynine Palms residents were arrested and a recovered stolen truck Wednesday. According to a Sheriff’s press release, Clay Lambert, 63, of Joshua Tree, reported his white Nissan pickup truck stolen in March. On Tuesday, April 7, Sheriff’s deputies went to a home in the 74400 block of Sunset in Twentynine Palms shortly before noon to talk with a resident. During a records check of the truck, deputies determined it had been stolen. While deputies talked with the homeowner, William Phillips, 19, jumped out of a bedroom window and fled. He was detained and deputies determined he had a $250,000 felony warrant for his arrest for violating his probation. Also in the home was Stephanie Monje, 24, who had two $25,000 warrants for her arrest on drug-related charges. Deputies found Benjamin Phoenix, 36, hiding under clothing in a closet. Phoenix allegedly gave deputies several false names before his true identity was discovered. The keys to the stolen truck were also found in the closet where Phoenix hid. Benjamin Phoenix was arrested for investigation of vehicle theft and giving a false name to a deputy, and on several warrants. He was booked at the Morongo Basin Jail with his total bail set at $85,000.