DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 29, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m.
INCIDENT: H&N 655(F) - Felony Reckless Boating Under the Influence
LOCATION: 800 Block of Beach Drive, Needles, CA
SUSPECT(S): Juan Chavez Mendez, 23 Years Old, Resident of Van Nuys, CA
VICTIM(S): Confidential
SUMMARY: On Saturday, June 29, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m., deputies from the Colorado River Station Marine Enforcement Unit responded to a report of a boating collision on the Colorado River, near Beach Drive. Through investigation it was discovered Chavez Mendez was operating a personal watercraft (PWC) eastbound on the Colorado River when he collided with another PWC next to him, causing injury to the rider. Medical personnel arrived on scene shortly after and treated the victim for their injuries.
Through investigation, it was determined Chavez Mendez was operating the PWC while under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. Chavez Mendez was subsequently arrested and transported to the Colorado River Station jail for booking. Chavez Mendez remains in the custody of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, with a bail amount of $30,000, awaiting a court hearing.
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Corporal B. Abell of the Colorado River Station at (760) 326-9200. Those wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at (877) 79CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on line at www.wetip.com
For press releases, news, and information, follow the Colorado River Station on Twitter at: @CORiverStation or Facebook and Instagram at SBCSDColoradoRiverStation.
Refer: Corporal B. Abell
Station: Colorado River Station
Phone No. (760) 326-9200
Case No. 252400033
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
