DATE/TIME: September 9, 2026, at about 8:30 a.m.
INCIDENT: PC 30305(A)(1) - Felon in Possession of Unlawful Ammunition and
PC 368(B)(1) - Dependent Adult Abuse
LOCATION: 800 Block of Downey Avenue, Needles, CA
SUSPECT 1: Robert Murchinson, 41-year-old Resident of Needles, CA
SUSPECT 2: Robert Helicker, 57-year-old Resident of Needles, CA
SUSPECT 3: Lorrie Lerma, 52-year-old Resident of Needles, CA
VICTIM(S): Confidential
SUMMARY: On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at approximately 8:30 a..m., deputies from the Colorado River Station / Needles Police Department served a search warrant at a residence located in the 800 block of Downey Avenue, in the city of Needles.
During the service of the search warrant, deputies contacted 41-year- old Robert Murchinson, 57-year-old Robert Helicker, and 52-year-old Lorrie Lerma.
During the search, deputies located ammunition in the possession of Murchinson and Helicker. The subsequent investigation determined both Murchinson and Helicker are convicted felons and are prohibited from possessing ammunition.
Murchinson and Helicker were arrested for PC 30305(A)(1) - Felon in Possession of Unlawful Ammunition.
Deputies also discovered an adult dependent in Lorrie Lerma's care was living in filthy and unsanitary conditions. As a result of the investigation, Lerma was arrested for PC 368(B)(1)- Dependent Adult Abuse.
All three subjects were transported to the Colorado River Station jail for booking. Murchinson and Helicker remain in the custody of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department being held on $30,000.00 bail, pending a court hearing. Lerma remains in custody on $40,000.00 bail, also pending a court hearing. This investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Deputy K. Sutton at 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 at: 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 K. Sutton
Station: Colorado River Station/ Needles Police Department
Phone No. (760) 326-9200
Case No. 212600794 and 212600795
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
