DATE/TIME: January 1, 2024, 1:45 a.m.
INCIDENT: VC 10851(a)- Grand Theft Auto, VC 2800.2- Felony Evading, PC 182- Conspiracy, PC 29800(a)(1)- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
LOCATION: Marina Dr/River Rd, Needles
SUSPECT(S): 3 Male Juveniles from the City of Needles
VICTIM(S): State of California
SUMMARY: Recently, there has been an increase in vehicle thefts in the city of Needles with criminals specifically targeting Kia and Hyundai vehicles. On Monday, January 1, 2024, at about 1:45 a.m., Deputy Perkins located a white Hyundai Elantra, traveling westbound on K Street at a high rate of speed, minutes after an attempt vehicle theft occurred in the city of Needles. Deputy Perkins initiated a traffic stop and the vehicle, which was later found to be stolen out of the city of Needles, failed to yield. A vehicle pursuit ensued and two juvenile suspects fled on foot in the area of North K Street but were quickly apprehended by Deputy Nilsen and Deputy Mestas. After the two juvenile suspects fled on foot, a third juvenile continued to lead deputies on a vehicle pursuit. The vehicle pursuit came to an end in Arizona and the driver fled on foot into the desert. Deputies were not able to locate the third juvenile suspect. After further investigation, all three juveniles were positively identified.
At about 9:05 a.m., deputies from the Colorado River Station, assisted by San Bernardino County Probation, served a search warrant in the 1000 block of Lillyhill Drive at two separate apartments. During the search warrant, the third juvenile suspect (driver) was taken into custody. Deputies searched both apartments and found evidence which led to the involvement of all three juvenile suspects in the recent vehicle thefts, along with a stolen firearm that was seized.
The three juveniles were taken into custody and one of the juveniles was transported to Juvenile Hall in Apple Valley.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents are urged to contact Deputy A. Perkins or Deputy J. Deruiter at the Colorado River Station/Needles Police Department at (760) 326-9200. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We Tip Hotline at 1-(800)-78-CRIME (27463) or go to www.wetip.com.
For press releases, news, and information, follow the Colorado River Station on Facebook and Instagram at SBCSD Colorado River Station or Twitter/X at: @CORiverStation
Refer: Deputy A. Perkins or Deputy J. Deruiter
Station: Colorado River Station
Phone No. (760) 326-9200
Case No. 212400002, 212400003
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
