Details:
On July 10, 2021, at 9:30 PM, Gang Task Force Officers from Region 2 conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of West Nicolet Street and 2nd Street on an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV). The driver, identified as Deshawn Smith, a thirty-four year old resident of the City of Banning, failed to stop. A short vehicle pursuit ensued and concluded in the 400 block of 3rd Street. Smith exited the ATV and ran into a residence and threw a backpack he had been wearing. Gang Task Force Officers pursued after Smith and he was placed under arrest.
During a search of Smith’s backpack, a loaded 9mm handgun was located. Additionally, Smith had 3.1 grams of cocaine, over an ounce of marijuana, vials of liquid THS, several zip lock baggies, and $1,100.00 of U.S Currency.
Smith was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility for the following charges.
- Evading
- Felony Possession of Firearm
- Possession of Un-Registered Firearm
- Possession of Controlled Substance While Armed
- Transportation of Narcotics for Sells

The Riverside County Gang Task Force is a collaborative effort of several law enforcement agencies with the goal of combating criminal street gangs. The San Gorgonio Special Operations Regional Gang Task Force is one of six teams which compose the Riverside County Regional Gang Task Force. The San Gorgonio Special Operations Gang Task Force is staffed with members from the Banning Police Department, Beaumont Police Department and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
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