DATE/TIME: Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at approximately 8:20 p.m.
INCIDENT: PC 246.3- Negligent Discharge of a Firearm
LOCATION: Jack Smith Park, Needles, CA
SUSPECT(S): Byron Vanderzanden, 18 Years Old, Resident of Needles, CA
VICTIM(S): Confidential
SUMMARY: On Tuesday, July 02, 2024, at approximately 8:20 p.m., deputies with the Colorado River Station/Needles Police Department responded to a report of fight in the area of Jack Smith Park in the city of Needles. Deputies contacted the involved subjects at the location. During the investigation it was found that Byron Vanderzanden, John Rubalcalva and Matthew Riley were involved in a physical altercation. During the altercation, Vanderzanden was said to have fired an unknown number of rounds in the air from a firearm. There were no injuries and no property damage was found.
The investigation is on-going. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Deputy C. Mestas or Detective J. Gregory at the Colorado River Station / Needles Police Department at (760) 326-9200. Those wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information online at www.wetip.com.
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Refer: Deputy C. Mestas or Detective J. Gregory
Station: Colorado River Station
Phone No. (760)326-9200
Case No. 212400553
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
