Mountain Marijuana by Running Springs

A mountain marijuana grow with more than 1,000 plants was discovered about four weeks ago near Running Springs, and a man was arrested at the site on Thursday, according to the Sheriff's Department.

A multi-agency group including members of the sheriff's Narcotics/Marijuana Eradication Team, Sheriff's Aviation, DEA and Forest Service went into the canyon below Smiley Park about 5 a.m. Aug. 16, according to a news release.

One suspect, identified as Jose Antonio Mendez, 29, was taken into custody and another suspect ran, according to the Sheriff's Department.

"The suspect ran into a densely covered area of the forest where investigators lost sight of him and were unable to locate him," the statement said. "A loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun was found in the campsite, along with camping supplies, sleeping bags and food. The cultivation is believed to have been started around April."

About 1,100 mature marijuana plants were removed. All the plants were in the budding stage and were 6 to 7 feet tall, according to the Sheriff's Department.

"Irrigation tubing was used to supply water obtained from a creek below Smiley Park to the cultivation site," the statement said. "The suspects cut and removed natural vegetation to facilitate the cultivation."

Mendez was booked at Central Detention Center in Central Detention Center and he was "held pending federal charges for cultivation of marijuana and possession of a firearm," according to the Sheriff's Department. On Friday Aug. 17, Mendez was transferred to custody of U.S. Marshals.

Smiley Park is about a 20-mile drive north of Redlands and Loma Linda.

Anyone with more information was urged to call the Sheriff’s Narcotics Division at (909) 890-4840 or WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME (800-782-7463).