Mojave, CA – A Kern County man is facing multiple felony charges after deputies recovered approximately $10,000 worth of stolen firearms, ammunition, and other property taken from a firearms instructor’s school earlier this month, authorities said.
According to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, deputies assigned to the Mojave Substation responded to a burglary in the 14000 block of United Street on January 11, 2026. During the investigation, officials learned that several firearms, ammunition, and documentation had been stolen.
On January 20, 2026, Mojave and Boron deputies located and arrested Trent Vangeldier, a convicted felon with multiple outstanding warrants. Deputies say Vangeldier allegedly possessed stolen firearms, ammunition, and property connected to the Mojave burglary.
During the arrest, deputies also located additional firearms, soft body armor, and a pepper ball launcher inside Vangeldier’s travel trailer. He was booked into the Mojave Substation Jail on multiple charges, including possession of stolen property, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of body armor, and resisting arrest, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the arrest follows prior firearm-related arrests for Vangeldier and that the investigation remains ongoing.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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