Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Tuesday, February 18, 2020 10:04 a.m.

INCIDENT: Own/operate chop shop, weapons violations and possession of narcotics for sales

LOCATION: 1900 block of Desoto Street, Needles

SUSPECT(S): Jeff Gardner, 59 years old, resident of Needles, CA
Brian Lillard, 45 years old, resident of Fort Mohave, AZ
Karl Hennings, 41 years old, resident of Needles, CA

SUMMARY:
On Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at approximately 10:04 a.m., Detectives from the Colorado River Station/ Needles Police Department, along with the San Bernardino County Auto Theft Task Force served a search warrant in the 1900 block of Desoto Street. The search warrant was related to an ongoing investigation related to stolen vehicles and the altering of vehicle identification numbers. Items related to owning/operating a chop shop, narcotics sales and a loaded firearm were located during the warrant service.

Jeff Gardner was arrested for owning/operating a chop shop and possession of narcotics for sales and is being held on $75,000. bail. Brian Lillard was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition with bail set at $50,000. Karl Hennings was arrested for possession of narcotics and later cite released with a pending court date.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Detective Tim Preston or Detective Brandon Abell at the Colorado River Station at (760)326-9200. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-788-CRIME (27463), or may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com

For press releases, news, and information, follow the Colorado River Station on Twitter at: @CORiverStation.

Refer: Detective Tim Preston

Station: Colorado River Sheriff's Station / Needles Police Department

Phone No. (760) 326-9200

Case No. 212000036, 102000094, 102000095

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department