Ridgecrest Police Department (RPD) Sgt. Groves–On July 26, RPD Detectives 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 RPD went to the address and made contact with 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.
