DATE/TIME: Sunday, March 1, 2026, at approximately 12:01 a.m.
INCIDENT: CVC10851(A) - Vehicle Theft
CVC20002(A) - Hit and Run Property Damage
23152(F) - Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
PC3056 - Violation of Parole
LOCATION: 1900 Block of Erin Drive, Needles, CA
SUSPECT(S): Andre Chavez, 32-years-old, Resident of Needles, CA
VICTIM(S): City of Needles
SUMMARY: On Sunday, March 1, 2026, at approximately 12:01 a.m., deputies from the Colorado River Station / Needles Police Department responded to a report of a hit and run vehicle accident near the 1900 block of Erin Drive.
When deputies arrived on scene they determined the vehicle had struck a city sign, causing significant damage to both the sign and the vehicle involved. The driver fled the scene prior to law enforcement arrival.
During the investigation, deputies located a possible suspect vehicle in the vicinity of the 1900 block of Erin Dr. Through further investigative efforts, deputies confirmed the vehicle involved in the collision was taken without permission from the owner. Authorities identified Andre Chavez as the driver of the vehicle at the time of the incident.
Chavez was subsequently arrested and booked at the Colorado River Station jail on the charges listed above. Chavez remains in the custody of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department with no bail awaiting a court hearing. This investigation is on going.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Deputy E. Olmos of the Colorado River / 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.
For press releases, news, and information, follow the Colorado River Station on X at: @CORiverStation or on Facebook and Instagram at SBCSDColoradoRiverStation.
Refer: Deputy E. Olmos
Station: Colorado River Station
Phone No. (760) 326-9200
Case No. 212600196
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Dep
