DATE/TIME: Saturday, June 20, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m.
INCIDENT: Hit and Run Major Injury Boating Accident
LOCATION: North of Needles Bridge, Needles, CA
SUSPECT(S): Unknown
VICTIM(S): Adult Female
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UPDATED ON JULY 28, 2026, AT 3:30 P.M.
The Colorado River Station’s Marine Enforcement Unit received several phone calls and videos from community members regarding the boat crash that occurred on June 20, 2026.
After reviewing the videos submitted by community members, investigators determined the boat shown in the photos is responsible for causing injuries to the victim. Investigators are asking anyone who may have any information on the identity and location of the operator and the boat to contact Corporal B. Abell at 760-326-9200.
Those wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call or text "REPORT" to the WE-TIP HOTLINE at (844) 909-3006. Individuals may also leave anonymous information online using the We-Tip website link: https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites
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SUMMARY: On Saturday, June 20th, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m., deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Marine Enforcement Unit responded to a report of a major injury boating collision on the Colorado River, just north of the Needles Bridge.
Upon arrival, deputies learned the adult victim had been struck by a boat while floating down the river on an inner tube. The victim sustained major injuries as a result of the collision.
Emergency personnel responded to the scene and the victim was subsequently transported by air ambulance to a hospital in Las Vegas for treatment. The circumstances surrounding the collision are currently under investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Marine Enforcement Unit. No additional information is available at this time.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Corporal B. Abell of the Colorado River Station/ Needles Police Department at (760) 326-9200. Those wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call or text "REPORT" to the WE-TIP HOTLINE at (844) 909-3006. Individuals may also leave anonymous 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 Instagram at SBCSDColoradoRiverStation or X at: @CORiverStation.
Refer: Corporal B. Abell
Station: Colorado River Station
Phone No. (760) 326-9200
Case No. 252600067
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
