DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at approximately 8:00 a.m.
INCIDENT: Suspicious Person
LOCATION: 1900 Block of Erin Drive, Needles, CA
SUSPECT(S): Unknown Male
VICTIM(S): Confidential Juvenile
SUMMARY: On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at approximately 8:00 a.m., deputies from the Colorado River Station/Needles Police Department responded to a call for service at Vista Colorado Elementary School, reference a suspicious person. During the investigation, deputies learned a juvenile was walking to school when a red four door sedan, with what appeared to be a male subject inside, pulled up alongside of him as he was walking down the sidewalk to school. The subject drove alongside the juvenile, asked him if he wanted some candy, and proceeded to show him what appeared to be a rainbow-colored pill. The juvenile ran away from the subject and the vehicle sped away.
The subject is described as a male adult of unknown race, wearing a dark colored hoodie, a black face mask, and dark colored sunglasses. Deputies canvassed the area for the subject but were unable to locate him. This investigation is ongoing.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department/Needles Police would like to remind the community to share these safety tips with their children:
• Be alert, observant and aware of your surroundings at all times
• Try to avoid walking alone
• Avoid secluded areas
• Never talk to strangers
• Run to an adult and/or tell someone you trust
• Parents should advise their children to avoid any and all pills
• These candy like, multicolored opioid pills also known as “rainbow fentanyl” are made to be attractive to kids
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy C. Mestas of the Colorado River Station at (760)326-9200. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave information online at the We-Tip website, www, wetip.com
For press releases, news, and information follow the Colorado River Station on Twitter at: @CORiverStation, Facebook @SBCSDColoradoRiverStation and/or Instagram @SBCSDColoradoRiverStation.
Refer: Deputy C. Mestas
Station: Colorado River Station
Phone No. (760)326-9200
Case No. 212300725
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
