Armed Carjacking Suspect Arrested, Second Suspect At Large
Photos courtesy of Kern County Sheriff’s Office
“On October 3, 2024, Kern County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned to the Ridgecrest Substation were dispatched to a report of a subject armed with a shotgun and wearing body armor driving a white Dodge Dart. Deputies located the vehicle unoccupied and discovered a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun and a .22-caliber rifle visible inside the vehicle. Shortly after, deputies located the suspected driver, Chad Hegeler, inside a nearby residence along with body armor.
Chad Hegeler
Chad Hegeler was arrested on multiple charges. Further investigation revealed that the Dodge Dart had been reported stolen during a carjacking. Deputies also uncovered that Chad Hegeler had stolen a Ford F350 using an improvised explosive device, which he then gave to his brother, Logan Hegeler, to drive.
Deputies later located Logan Hegeler driving the stolen vehicle. A traffic stop was attempted, but Logan Hegeler fled, leading deputies on a pursuit through the Ridgecrest area. Due to Logan Hegeler’s reckless driving, deputies discontinued the pursuit to ensure public safety.
During the investigation, deputies received information indicating that Chad Hegeler had been constructing and detonating explosive devices at his residence. A search warrant was served, and deputies recovered ammunition that Hegeler was prohibited from possessing, along with two bottles containing trace amounts of explosive material.
Chad Hegeler is currently in custody and facing multiple felony charges. Logan Hegeler remains large and is believed to be in the Ridgecrest area. He is considered armed and dangerous, and the public is advised not to approach him. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Anyone with information on Logan Hegeler’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at 661-861-3110.”
