Ridgecrest Police Department Sgt. R. Marrone–
On March 19, 2023, at approximately 8:10 PM, Ridgecrest PD Officers Lloyd and Pettit responded to Walmart (201 E. Bowman Rd.) on a reported trespassed subject inside the store. Upon arrival, the officers observed Steven Mathewson and confirmed he was the trespassed suspect. Upon seeing officers, Mathewson fled the store via the Garden Center doors and through an emergency exit.
A foot pursuit ensued, during which time Mathewson discarded a backpack he was wearing. As Officer gained ground on Mathewson, he gave up a short distance from Walmart. After being arrested, a small semi-auto handgun was concealed in his pocket. Additionally, Mathewson is prohibited from possessing a firearm. The backpack Mathewson had discarded was stolen from Walmart the day prior and also contained a stolen vehicle battery that had been taken from Walmart. Mathewson was also in possession of suspected methamphetamine. Mathewson was later transported to Kern County Jail.
