DATE/TIME: December 14, 2021, at 8:43 am
INCIDENT: Grand Theft Auto
Sex Registrant Violation
LOCATION: 1400 Block of Needles Highway, Needles
SUSPECT(S): Matthew James Smith, 55-years-old, resident of Covina, CA
VICTIM(S): Confidential
SUMMARY: On Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at 8:43 am, deputies from the Needles Police Department/Colorado River Station located a stolen vehicle in the 1400 block of Needles Highway. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Las Vegas, Nevada during a residential burglary.
A high risk traffic stop was conducted and the sole occupant, Matthew Smith, was taken into custody without incident. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department was notified that Smith was taken into custody, and the stolen vehicle was recovered. Information was provided to The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to assist in identifying Smith as a suspect in their burglary investigation.
A records check revealed Smith is a registered sex offender with the Azusa Police Department, and currently on felony probation with Los Angeles County for failing to register. Smith last registered as a transient sex offender with the Azusa Police Department in May 2019, and was found to be in violation. Smith was arrested and booked into the High Desert Detention Center with a bail amount set at $50,000, pending a court hearing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Brandon Abell or Deputy Justin Bacon of the Colorado River Station/Needles Police Department at (760)326-9200. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information online We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
For press releases, news and information, follow the Colorado River Station/Needles Police Department on Facebook and Instagram @SBCSDColoradoRiverStation or Twitter at: @CORiverStation.
Refer: Detective Brandon Abell or Deputy Justin Bacon
Station: Needles Police Department/Colorado River Station
Phone No. 760-326-9200
Case No. 212101208
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
