Needles California News

09/22/2025

07/30/2025

Investigation Continues into the Shooting that Left One Person Deceased and Three Others Wounded in Needles July 23rd

DATE: July 23, 2025

INCIDENT: Homicide / Attempted Murder Investigation

LOCATION: 1900 block of Erin Drive, Needles, CA

SUSPECT(S): Xavier Scott, 20-year-old Resident of Needles

VICTIM(S):
William Garhartt, 52-year-old resident of Needles (Deceased)

Confidential – 23-year-old Male Resident of Needles

Confidential – 21-year-old Female Resident of Needles

Confidential – 22-year-old Female Resident of Needles

SUMMARY: On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at approximately 6:40 a.m., Needles Station deputies responded to the 1900 block of Erin Drive, for a report of shots fired. Deputies arrived and found four people suffering from gunshot wounds. A male inside the apartment, identified as William Garhartt, was pronounced deceased at the scene by San Bernardino County Fire Department personnel. A male and two females were transported to hospitals for treatment.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division-Homicide Detail, responded and assumed the investigation. During the continued investigation, the suspect was identified as Xavier Scott of Needles. Scott has not been located as of this time. Investigators are releasing a photo of Scott to aid in his location and apprehension.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Xavier Scott or about this case is asked to contact Detective Charles Lopez, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.

Refer: Detective Charles Lopez or Sergeant Gerardo Moreno

Station: Specialized Investigations Division

Phone No. (909) 890-4904

Case No. DR #212500543 / H #2025-060

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

07/29/2025

Suspect Responsible for Brush Fire near Jack Smith Memorial Park Identified and Arrested

DATE/TIME: July 26, 2025, at approximately 7:26 p.m.

INCIDENT: PC 452(C) - Unlawfully Causing a Fire - Wreckless Burning

LOCATION: Jack Smith Memorial Park, Needles, CA

SUSPECT(S): Shawn Brown, 38-Years-Old, Transient of Needles, CA

VICTIM(S): State of California

SUMMARY: On Saturday, July 26, 2025, at approximately 7:26 p.m., deputies with the Colorado River Station / Needles Police department responded to a report of a large brush fire near Jack Smith Memorial Park in the City of Needles. Through investigation, it was determined the fire was started near a homeless encampment located within the dense brush near the river's edge.

On Sunday, July 27, 2025, at approximately 3:44 a.m., deputies located the suspect, identified as Shawn Brown, in the area. Brown was detained and interviewed at the Colorado River Station. During the investigation, Brown was found to be the person who unlawfully started the fire. Brown was subsequently arrested on the above mentioned charges and was transported to the Colorado River Station jail for booking. Brown remains in the custody of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department with a bail amount of $30,000.00, awaiting a court hearing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy M. Yanez of the Colorado River Station at (760) 326-9200. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or may leave information on line at the We-Tip website, www.wetip.com.

For press releases, news, and information follow the Colorado River Station on X at: , Facebook and/or Instagram .

Refer: Deputy M. Yanez

Station: Colorado River Station / Needles Police Department

Phone No. 760-326-9200

Case No. 212500546

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

07/27/2025

Fire Update: The fire is now fully contained.

River Road will remain closed overnight and is expected to reopen tomorrow morning. Jack Smith Park will also reopen for public use tomorrow.

07/27/2025

Update: 7:30pm.
Mohave Valley Fire and Sam Bernardino County Fire have been working swiftly to put out the large fire by Jack Smith, it appears to be extinguished exponentially. River Rd. and Jack Smith Park are still shut down at this time.

07/27/2025

07/27/2025

A massive fire is raging near Jack Smith Park, with the cause currently unknown. The fire department and police are on the scene, working diligently to extinguish the fire.

07/13/2025

The Devil Pups are camp-ready! Devil Pups is a week-long, once-in-a-lifetime experience aboard an active military base for top-performing teens, ages 14-17. See you in a week and good luck!

Pictured below are:
B. Williams
F. Blackard
W. Cook

For more information on Devil Pups, visit their website at devilpups.com.

06/04/2025

FLASH FLOOD WARNING
STAY INDOORS AND OUT OF ROADWAYS

05/19/2025

Needles Ladystangs softball, and Mustangs baseball have made it back home. Ladystangs taking home another state championship

05/09/2025

Due to a burst pipe, water service is currently unavailable in the Colorado Shores, Rio Buena Vista, and Needles Marina areas. The estimated time for restoration is approximately two hours.

Update: Water is restored.