DATE/TIME: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 / 3:50 P.M.
INCIDENT: PC 532(a) - Theft by Fraud; PC 368 – Elder Abuse
LOCATION: 17600 Mystic Canyon Drive, Chino Hills, CA
SUSPECT(S): Nathaniel Ariaz, a 28-year-old resident of Corona
VICTIM(S): Confidential
SUMMARY: On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, a 77-year-old resident of Chino Hills reported that he purchased a gold coin from an unknown suspect on OfferUp. The victim later discovered the coin was counterfeit and contained no gold.
Members of the Chino Hills Station Detective Bureau and the Multiple Enforcement Team identified the suspect as Nathaniel Ariaz, a 28-year-old resident of Corona. A controlled buy operation was conducted, and Ariaz was taken into custody while in possession of additional counterfeit coins intended for sale.
Ariaz was arrested and booked at the West Valley Detention Center for theft by false pretense and elder abuse.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Chino Hills Sheriff's Station at 909-364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.
Refer: Deputy Omar Gomez
Station: Chino Hills Police Station
Phone No. (909) 364-2000
Case No. 222600648
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
