Photo: Joseph Norzagaray (l), Anontio Bethell (top r), Michael Foster (bottom r)
BARSTOW – On March 15, 2020, at approximately 2:07 p.m., Barstow PD’s Officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Yucca Avenue regarding a shooting by a black male in an apartment complex. Then, a second witness called – in reference to another male shooting up the complex.
While Barstow PD’s Dispatcher took the description of a Hispanic male in his 40’s, gunshots rang out in the background.
“Several Barstow Police Officers, San Bernardino County Sheriff Deputies, and California Highway Patrol Officers responded to the scene,” said Barstow PD. “As officer Escalante responded to the location he observed a male subject trying to leave the apartment complex in a Chevy Silverado truck. Upon seeing the officer the male immediately stopped his vehicle and ran to an apartment in the complex.”
A contact with officers ID’d Michael Foster (21) of Hesperia. A check of Foster’s Chevy Silverado truck revealed it riddled with several bullet holes.
Officers directed by witnesses to the back of the complex encountered Antonio Bethell (48) of Barstow. His Chrysler Pacifica also sported several bullet holes.
As officers detained Bethell and Foster, then located evidence of the large shooting scene, witnesses pointed officers to additional vehicles along with an apartment struck by gunfire.
Officers searching the interior of the shot-up apartment located an adult female who’d been shot in the arm. A trip to Barstow Community Hospital provided treatment and a release.
News of a third male who’d fled in a silver Honda Accord added to the shooting scene’s list of suspects. Nearby officers located the abandoned vehicle on the 1400 block of Mesa Drive.
Detectives’ investigation produced an ID of 48 year-old Joseph Norzagaray, of Victorville, as the third suspect.
“Detectives Catherine Greig, Mathew Helms, Tom Lewis and Evidence Technician Deanna Schooler all responded to the shooting scene,” said Barstow PD. “The detectives were able to obtain surveillance video evidence of the shooting. The three suspects were positively identified as the shooters through the witnesses and surveillance video.”
A search warrant was served by Detectives at Bethell’s apartment, where a loaded handgun was seized as shooting evidence.
Investigators revealed a disagreement between Foster and Bethell on the day prior to the shooting. When Foster encountered Bethell the next day, he opened fire on him with a handgun. A gun battle ensued, whereby Norzagaray shot several rounds at Bethell with a handgun.
While Detective Matthew Helms was processing Foster’s Silverado truck, a loaded Glock 9mm handgun, several 9mm rounds, and four baggies of cocaine were seized.
Both Bethell and Foster were arrested and booked for PC 644/187 – Attempted Murder at San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Barstow Jail. At the time of their arrest, Joseph Norzagaray was sought for a felony warrant for his arrest for the charge 664/187 – Attempted Murder.
Barstow PD Dispatch was anticipating information for the ongoing investigation and search for the fleeing Norzagaray, and requested contact at 760-256-2211. The community responded, and assisted in the location and arrest of the final suspect on 03/18/2020.
Barstow PD offered their gratitude and kudos to the community in an ***UPDATE*** via Facebook: “Joseph Louis Norzagaray (48) has been located and arrested. We want to thank the community for their assistance and support.”
