DATE/TIME: September 4, 2026, at approximately 11:09 p.m.
INCIDENT: PC 29800(A)(1) - Felon in Possession of a Firearm, PC 30305(A)(1) - Felon in Possession of Unlawful Ammunition and PC 33215 - Possession of Short Barreled Rifle/Sawed of Shotgun
LOCATION: North K Street and Smokestack Drive, Needles, CA
SUSPECT(S): Matthew Watson, 54-year-old Resident of Topock, AZ
VICTIM(S): State of California
SUMMARY: On Friday, September 4, 2026, at about 11:09 p.m., deputies from the Colorado River Station / Needles Police Department conducted a traffic enforcement stop for observed traffic violations near North K Street and Smokestack Drive in the city of Needles.
During the subsequent investigation, deputies identified the driver as Matthew Watson, who was determined to be a convicted felon. As the investigation continued, Watson was found to be in possession of a firearm and unlawful ammunition. Deputies also located a short barreled rifle which is prohibited under the terms of Watson's status as a felon.
Watson was arrested and transported to the Colorado River Station jail for booking. Watson 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 asked to contact Deputy J. Aria 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: Deputy J. Aria
Station: Colorado River Station/Needles Police Department
Phone No. (760) 326-9200
Case No. 212600779
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
