Road-rage gun threat in Redlands uncovers 20,000 rounds and dozens of illegal weapons

On July 15, California Highway Patrol officers investigated a road-rage claim on Interstate 10 near Live Oak Canyon Road in Redlands, where a driver allegedly brandished a handgun at another motorist. The investigation identified 52-year-old Robert Valdez of Yucaipa as the suspect, leading to a traffic stop and his arrest without further incident. A subsequent vehicle search revealed a revolver, speed loaders, and additional ammunition.

Executing a warrant at Valdez’s residence, investigators recovered roughly 20 illegal firearms—including assault-style and long-range rifles, shotguns, and suppressed handguns—along with about 20,000 rounds of ammunition, armor-piercing rounds, multiple suppressors, and fifteen milling fixtures used to modify AR-15-type lower receivers. Valdez was booked on charges of brandishing a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an assault weapon, and possession of a suppressor. In a related action, Cal Fire officers detained 65-year-old Herbert Wayne Smith, suspected of starting the Gann fire earlier that day.