DATE/TIME: Thursday, January 30, 2025, 6:15 p.m.
INCIDENT: PC 487(a); Grand Theft
PC 12022.1(a)(1); Felony While on Bail
No-Bail Felony Arrest Warrant
LOCATION: 12300 block of 14th Street, Yucaipa CA
SUSPECT(S): Edward Champ, 58-year-old male resident of Yucaipa
Noe Tovar, 30-year-old male resident of Yucaipa
VICTIM(S): Confidential
SUMMARY: On Thursday, January 30, 2025, deputies responded to the 31300 block of Linwood Terrace to investigate a theft report. The victim reported his Champion-powered hydraulic wood splitter, valued at $1,400, was stolen from his backyard during the night.
Through further investigation, deputies identified the suspects as Edward Champ and Noe Tovar, residents of Yucaipa. A search warrant was obtained for Champ's residence on 14th Street. Deputies observed Champ leaving the residence in his vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, taking him into custody. Noe Tovar was located at the YuCal motel and found to have a no-bail felony warrant for his arrest. The wood splitter had been sold earlier that morning for $500 to a person residing in Yucaipa. The item was subsequently located and recovered, and it was later returned to the victim. Champ and Tovar were arrested for grand theft under California Penal Code 487(a) and booked at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino, where they are both being held without bail. Champ was currently out on bail for a separate felony case.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Yucaipa Police Dispatch at (909) 790-3100 or Yucaipa Station at (909) 918-2305. Callers may remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Refer: Deputy E. Herrera
Station: Yucaipa Sheriff's Station
Phone No. 909-918-2305
Case No. 142500335
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
