DPS NEWS

Body Cam Footage of California Kidnapping Suspects Caught in Southern Utah

On July 30th, 2019, sisters, eight-month old, Emma, and twenty-month old, Darla Yonko, were taken from their Riverside, California home.

On July 31st, 2019, Los Angles based FBI Agents with the Riverside Resident Agency – Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force asked State Highway Patrol Troopers to be on the lookout for a 1982 blue Cadillac with a white top. Photos were provided of the girls and the possible suspects, Joshua Adle and Frank Marks.

On August 1st, 2019, Trooper Adam Gibbs was on-duty at 1814 hours, when he received word from our Richfield Communications Center that the FBI had information to know that one of the suspects was near Salina, UT. Moments later the FBI reported that the suspects were near the Richfield Airport. Troopers and Dispatchers concluded that the suspects were westbound on I-70. Troopers were advised that the suspects were listed in NCIC and believed to be dangerous.

All available Officers, Deputies and Troopers were dispatched to the area to look for the suspects. At 1830 hours, additional details were provided regarding the suspects’ vehicle could either be a 2015 black Chevy Tahoe or the 1982 blue Cadillac, previously mentioned. As suspect tracking continued, Trooper Gibbs noted that the Troopers on I-70 and I-15 south of Cove Fort were not observing the vehicles mentioned.

The DPS Cedar City Communications Center advised all agencies looking for the suspects and paying attention to the suspect tracking locations, that the suspects might possibly be in a rental vehicle of unknown make and model. At 1910 hours, Trooper Gibbs was stationary at Mile Post 83 near Parowan, when he noted a white Dodge Caravan pass his location with a driver who he recognized from the suspect photos as Frank Marks. Trooper Gibbs left his stationary position, pulled along side the minivan with California Plates, and noted that the suspect, Joshua Adle, was in the middle left seat.

Trooper Gibbs pulled behind the vehicle and called for back-up. Frank Marks drove the vehicle onto Exit 78 were Trooper Gibbs knew that if he didn’t attempt a traffic stop on the exit, that the suspects may put the public in harm’s way if they were able to drive into a nearby gas station. Without backup, Trp. Gibbs initiated a felony-style traffic stop on the vehicle.

The above video is a result of that stop. An Officer with the Parowan Police Department, a second State Trooper and a Deputy with the Iron County Sheriff’s Office arrive shortly after and assist with the arrests.

For follow up questions, please contact the Utah Highway Patrol PIO at 801-554-5659.