An anonymous tip led to the arrest of an 18-year-old student at Redlands East Valley High School (REV) on December 17, 2024, after weapons were discovered in his vehicle on school grounds.
At approximately 7:15 a.m., an anonymous reporting party notified authorities that a student, identified as Christopher Oberhelman, a resident of San Bernardino, had brandished what appeared to be a silver and black revolver in the school’s parking lot at 31000 E. Colton Avenue in Redlands.
School Resource Officer Deputy B. Fite responded swiftly to the call and initiated an investigation. Oberhelman was located on campus, and following initial questioning, a search of his vehicle was conducted. Inside the car, officers discovered a silver and black revolver replica, a tan and black 1911 Sig Sauer handgun replica, and an Elk Ridge knife approximately 10 inches in length.
Upon further inspection, the handguns were determined to be air guns, which are non-lethal firearms that closely resemble real weapons. Despite their status as replicas, the possession of such items on school grounds violates state law.
Oberhelman was subsequently arrested and booked at the Central Detention Center on charges of Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds under California Penal Code 626.10(A)(1).
San Bernardino County authorities have emphasized the seriousness of bringing any type of weapon, including replicas, onto school premises. While the incident did not result in injuries, it raised concerns among school officials and law enforcement about campus safety.
“The swift action of the anonymous reporting party and our school resource officer ensured this situation was handled promptly,” said Deputy Fite. “We encourage anyone with information about potential threats to campus safety to report them immediately, so we can act before harm occurs.”
The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department urges anyone with additional information about this incident to contact the Central Station at (909) 387-3545. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or submit information online at www.wetip.com.
This incident serves as a reminder to students and families about the dangers of bringing weapons or replicas to school, as they can trigger security concerns and legal consequences. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department continues to work closely with schools to maintain a safe learning environment for all students.