East SBV Times

On May 21, 2024, at approximately 4:21 a.m., deputies at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino responded to a medical emergency within a housing unit. Aaron Luciano Ornelas, a 37-year-old resident of Colton, was discovered hanging from a metal vent in the shower. Deputies and medical staff performed life-saving measures until American Medical Response and San Bernardino County Fire personnel arrived and took over medical care. Despite their efforts, Ornelas was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Investigators from the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division have taken over the investigation. Ornelas has been transported to the Coroner’s Office for an autopsy.

Ornelas had been arrested on January 5, 2024, by Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies on an active warrant for drugs and weapons charges and had remained in custody since his arrest.

The Specialized Investigations Division is seeking any information regarding this incident. Individuals with relevant information are urged to contact them at 909-890-4904. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or visit wetip.com.

For further inquiries:

Deputy J. Young or Sgt. G. Moreno

Specialized Investigations Division

Phone No.: 909-890-4904

Case No.: DR# 602400037 H# 2024-046

Shannon D. Dicus,

Sheriff-Coroner,

San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department