DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at approximately 11:30 p.m.
INCIDENT: VC 10851(a) - Vehicle Theft
PC496(A)- Possession of Stolen Property
LOCATION: Colorado Court and G Street, Needles, CA
SUSPECT(S): James Rippley, 29-years-old, Resident of Needles, CA
VICTIM(S): City of Needles
SUMMARY: On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at approximately 11:30 p.m., deputies from the Coloroado River Station conducted a traffic enforcement stop near Colorado Court and G Street in the City of Needles for observed traffic violations.
During the investigation, deputies contacted the driver, identified as James Rippley. While speaking with deputies, Rippley provided inconsistent statements about his use of the vehicle for work purposes, which raised suspicion about his possession of the vehicle. Deputies subsequently contacted the registered owner of the business, associated with the vehicle, who was in the city of Las Vegas, Nevada. It was learned that no one had been given permission to take the vehicle and Rippley was not known to the owner. Further investigation revealed the vehicle had last been parked by employees at a job site earlier that afternoon. GPS data showed the vehicle was driven from that job site location to Needles without authorization.
Based on the investigation, deputies determined the vehicle had been unlawfully taken. Rippley was arrested and transported to the Colorado River Station jail for booking. Rippley remains in the custody of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department with a bail amount of $30,000.00, awaiting a court hearing. This investigation is on-going.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy R. Goff of the Colorado River Station/Needles Police Department at (760) 326-9200. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline or text "REPORT" to (844) 909-3006. Individuals may also leave information online using the We-Tip website link: https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.
For press releases, news and information, follow the Colorado River Station on Facebook and/or Instagram at:@SBCSDColoradoRiverStation or X at: @CORiverStation.
Refer: Deputy R. Goff
Station: Colorado River Station/Needles Police
Phone No. (760) 326-9200
Case No. 212600549
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
