DATE OF EVENT: July 26, 2022
TYPE OF EVENT: Felon in possession of a firearm
LOCATION: City of Ridgecrest
CHARGES:
PC 29800(a) – Felon in possession of a firearm
PC 30305(a) – Felon in possession of ammunition
PC 31360(a) – Felon in possession of body armor
PC 148(a)(1) – Resist/Obstruct/ or Delay a peace officer
PC 32 – Accessory to a crime
Various other offenses
SUSPECTS: Christopher Raul Barthel 30 YOA Ridgecrest resident
Magen Christyne Southard 32 YOA Ridgecrest resident
On 7/26/2022, Detectives from the Ridgecrest Police Department received information that Christopher Barthel was in possession of a firearm. Barthel is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Det. Arnold authored a search warrant for a residence in the 500 block of W. Atkins Ave. Detectives and officers from the Ridgecrest Police Department went to the address and made contact with Christopher Barthel. Barthel was hostile toward law enforcement and told officer that they needed a warrant to search the residence. Officers presented the warrant; however, Magen Southard was inside and refused to comply with officers. Both subjects were ultimately taken into custody and a search of the residence was conducted. During a search, officers located two firearms, body armor, and ammunition. Barthel was currently out on bail for a previous case where he had unlawfully possessed a firearm. Both subjects were transported to the Central Receiving Facility in Bakersfield and Barthel is currently being held without bail.
Jed McLaughlin, Chief of Police
PREPARED BY: Sgt. Groves