Full Notification

DATE/TIME: May 25, 2022 at 9:46 a.m.

INCIDENT: Discharge of a Firearm

LOCATION: B Street at Cibola Street, Needles, CA 

SUSPECT(S): Tylor Bell, 22-years-old, Resident of San Bernardinio
                        Gerald Franklin, 55-years-old, Resident of Needles


VICTIM(S): State of California

Update:
Through investigation, it was determined Bell and Franklin fired a handgun multiple times into the dirt embankment behind a residence. Bell was arrested for Penal Code 246.3(A) Willful Discharge of a Firearm, Penal Code 29800(A)(1) Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Penal Code 626.9(D) Discharge of a Firearm Near a School. Bell was also found to have a no bail warrant for Penal Code 245(A)(4) Assault with a Deadly Weapon and a misdemeanor warrant for Penal Code 594(A) Vandalism. Bell was transported to the Colorado River Station jail for booking. Bell remains in custody pending a court hearing. 
Franklin was arrested for Penal Code 246.3(A) Willful Discharge of a Firearm, and Penal Code 626.9(D) Discharge of a Firearm Near a School. Franklin was also found to have a misdemeanor traffic warrant for California Vehicle Code violation, 12500(A), Driving Without a License. Franklin was transported to the Colorado River Station jail for booking. Franklin remains in custody on $50,000 bail, pending a court hearing. 


SUMMARY: On Wednesday, May 25, 2002, at 9:46 a.m., deputies were dispatched to shots fired near Cibola Street and B Street. As a precaution, staff at Katie Hohstadt Elementary School placed the school on lock down.

Deputies arrived on scene and began checking the area. At 9:58 a.m., deputies contacted several subjects near B Street and Bazoobuth Street. A firearm was recovered and two suspects, identified as Tylor Bell and Gerald Franklin, are being detained. The investigation is ongoing. 

Deputies quickly determined this was not a school related incident, and no injuries were reported. Needles Unified School District was advised and the lock down at Katie Hohstadt Elementary School was lifted.

Anyone with informationregarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Alan Pennington or Deputy Bryant Moore at the Colorado River Station at (760) 326-9200. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

Refer: Detective Alan Pennington

Station: Colorado River Station

Phone No. 760-326-9200

Case No. 212200496

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department