Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at approximately 11:53 AM

INCIDENT: PC 452(B) - Unlawfully Causing a Fire of Inhabited Structure

LOCATION: 300 block of W Broadway Street, Needles, CA

SUSPECT(S): Eric Smith, 59-Years-Old, Resident of Needles, Ca 

VICTIM(S): Confidential


SUMMARY: On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, deputies from the Colorado River Station / Needles Police Department responded to a reported structure fire at an apartment complex near the 300 block of West Broadway Street.

Upon arrival, deputies observed two apartment units fully engulfed in flames.  Recognizing the immediate danger to residents, deputies quickly assessed the scene and located a disabled male resident inside an apartment unit, threatened by the rapidly spreading fire.  Deputies entered the residence and successfully evacuated the individual to safety before the apartment was affected by the flames. Fire personnel responded to the scene shortly after and extinguished the fire.

During the investigation, deputies contacted several witnesses and obtained statements regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.  Deputies learned the fire caused extensive damage to the apartment complex, resulting in the displacement of several residents.  Due to the extent of the damage, affected residents required alternative housing arrangements.  

Deputies also contacted an individual identified as Eric Smith as part of their preliminary investigation.  Due to the circumstances surrounding Eric Smith's involvement and the events preceding the fire, Eric Smith was subsequently arrested on the above-mentioned charges and transported to the Colorado River Station jail for booking.  Smith remains in the custody of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department on $40,000.00 bail, awaiting a court hearing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy A. Dohoda of the Colorado River Station at (760) 326-9200. Those wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline or text "REPORT" to
 (844) 909-3096.  Individuals may also leave 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/or Instagram at SBCSDColoradoRiverStation or X @CORiverStation.  


Refer: Deputy A. Dohoda

Station: Colorado River Station / Needles Police Department

Phone No. 760-326-9200

Case No. 212600908

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department