DATE/TIME: Saturday, February 21, 2026 at approximately 8:30 p.m.
INCIDENT: CVC 2800.2(A) - Felony Evading
LOCATION: US HWY 95 and 5 Mile Road
SUSPECT(S): Ismael Mendoza Morales, 18-years-old, Resident of Phoenix, AZ
Confidential Male Juvenile, 17-years-old , Resident of Phoenix, AZ
VICTIM(S): State of California
SUMMARY: On Saturday, February 21, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m., deputies from the Colorado River Station / Needles Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a gray Dodge Charger near J Street and the I40. The driver failed to yield, initiating a pursuit eastbound on the I40.
During the pursuit, the vehicle reached excessive speeds and exited the freeway at 5 Mile Rd. The vehicle proceeded towards Hwy 95 and while attempting to turn from 5 Mile Rd to Hwy 95, the driver lost control and the vehicle left the roadway ending in a traffic collision in the desert area adjacent to the Cali-Zona RV Park.
Deputies safely removed the driver, identified as Ismael Mendoza Morales and the seventeen-year-old male juvenile passenger from the vehicle. Both individuals were detained without further incident and no injuries were reported.
Mendoza Morales was placed under arrest on the above-mentioned charges and was transported to the Colorado River Station jail for booking. Mendoza Morales remains in the custody of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department with a bail amount of 150,000.00, awaiting a court hearing.
Child Protective Services was contacted and responded to assume custody of the seventeen-year-old male juvenile.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Deputy R. Goff of the 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.
For press releases, news, and information follow the Colorado River Station on X at: @CORiverStation, Facebook @SBCSDColoradoRiverStation and/or Instagram @SBCSDColoradoRiverStation.
Refer: Deputy R. Goff
Station: Colorado River Station/Needles Police Department
Phone No. (760) 326-9200
Case No. 212600170
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
