DATE/TIME: Thursday, February 12, 2026, at approximately 2:24 p.m.
INCIDENT: PC 273A(A) - Child Abuse
PC 245(A)(1) - Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Not a Firearm)
LOCATION: 700 block of Valley Avenue, Needles, CA
SUSPECT(S): Ricardo Chavez, 36-years-old, Resident of Bullhead City, AZ
VICTIM(S): CONFIDENTIAL, 15-Year-Old, Male Juvenile
SUMMARY: On Thursday, February 12, 2026, at approximately 2:24 p.m., deputies assigned to the Colorado River Station/Needles Police Department responded to the 700 block of Oak Street regarding a reported assault.
Upon arrival, deputies contacted the victim, who was found to have sustained multiple abrasions consistent with an assault. Deputies immediately began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
During the investigation, deputies determined that Chavez nearly struck the victim with a vehicle while leaving the location after an altercation with the victim's mother. The victim reported having to jump out of the way to avoid being hit, resulting a fall to the ground causing subsequent injuries.
Chavez was subsequently arrested on the above-mentioned charges and transported to the Colorado River Station jail for booking. Chavez remains in the custody of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department on $50,000.00 bail, awaiting a court hearing. This investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Deputy E. Olmos of the Colorado River Station/Needles Police Department at (760) 326-9200. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
Refer: Deputy E. Olmos
Station: Colorado River Station / Needles Police Department
Phone No. (760) 326-9200
Case No. 212600137
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
