Crossbow Chaos: Irate Man Arrested After Confrontation at Yucca Valley Tow Yard

A routine visit to retrieve an impounded vehicle escalated into a scene of high-stakes drama on Thursday at a tow yard in Yucca Valley. Authorities were called to the 7800 block of El Dorado Drive after reports of an irate man, armed with a crossbow, causing a disturbance.

Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Yucca Valley Station responded swiftly to the incident.

Upon arrival, they were confronted with a tense situation involving 46-year-old Matthew Charles Rhyne, who was reportedly furious about the cost associated with recovering his vehicle from the tow yard.

According to official statements, Rhyne allegedly began making criminal threats against the tow yard employees.

The situation took a perilous turn when Rhyne is accused of pulling out a crossbow, brandishing the weapon during his agitated outburst. This act instantly transformed a customer service dispute into a potentially dangerous confrontation, prompting the tow yard staff to call for immediate law enforcement intervention.

Thankfully, the deputies' quick response and de-escalation tactics proved effective.

Rhyne was taken into custody without further incident, and no injuries were reported among the tow yard employees or the responding officers. The crossbow, which could have inflicted serious harm, was secured by deputies as evidence.

Following his arrest, Matthew Charles Rhyne was booked into the Morongo Basin Jail.

He faces severe charges including assault with a deadly weapon and making criminal threats. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly emotional disputes can escalate when individuals resort to violence or threats of violence, especially when armed with dangerous weapons.