On Saturday, May 26 2012, Deputy Matt Kitchen from the Colorado River Station investigated a report of vehicle tires stolen from the East Side Shell gasoline station. During the investigation, Deputy Kitchen obtained security video which recorded the theft. Upon reviewing the video, Deputy Kitchen was able to observe the suspect stealing the tires from a secured tire rack and place the stolen tires into the cargo area of a pick up truck.

On Sunday, May 27, 2012 at about 9:00 a.m., Deputy Kitchen was on patrol in Jack Smith Park in the City of Needles when he recognized the truck that was involved in the theft of tires. Upon closer inspection, Deputy Kitchen saw the stolen tires inside the truck’s cargo area. He contacted Ronald Lee Brown of Needles, who was near the truck and who matched the description of the person in the video who committed the theft.

After further investigation, Deputy Kitchen arrested Brown for PC 496(a), Possession of Stolen Property and transported him to the Colorado River Station jail for booking. The investigation continued and Deputy Dane Thomas went to Brown’s residence where additional evidence was located.

The stolen tires were recovered and positively identified. The case is being reviewed by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office in Barstow.

Anyone with information regarding this crime or any other crime may contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Colorado River Station at (760) 326-9200 or We-Tip at 1-800-78CRIME.