Domestic Dispute Turns Violent In Redlands

REDLANDS, CA — A 24-year-old Mentone man was arrested on attempted murder charges Friday after a domestic dispute escalated into vehicle ramming and a chase, according to the Redlands Police Department.

Giovanni Efrain Pelayo was taken into custody at his home without further incident. He is being held at the San Bernardino County Central Jail in lieu of $1 million bail on charges of attempted murder, domestic violence and vandalism.

Police said the incident began Friday evening when Pelayo found his ex-girlfriend and a friend sitting in a vehicle in a parking lot in the 1700 block of East Lugonia Avenue. Pelayo approached the car, started an argument and tried to force his way inside before jumping onto the hood and damaging it, investigators said.

The victims managed to drive away, but Pelayo pursued them in his own car. He caught up to them near the Redlands Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Fifth Street, where he rammed their vehicle with his car.

The victims fled a second time, with Pelayo still following. During the pursuit, Pelayo crashed into an unrelated, uninvolved vehicle on Reservoir Road. The victims eventually stopped at a public location and called the police, while Pelayo fled the area and abandoned his vehicle near Moore Middle School in the 1500 block of East Highland Avenue.

Officers tracked Pelayo to his Mentone residence and arrested him.

Authorities ask anyone with information regarding the incident or related suspicious activity to contact Redlands Police Dispatch at 909-798-7681, ext. 8. Non-emergency crimes can also be reported online via the Redlands Police Department CopLogic system, or through the City of Redlands 311 mobile app.