Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Monday, August 10, 2020 at 10:46 a.m.

INCIDENT: CVC2800.2 – Felony Evading
CVC 10851 – Vehicle Theft

LOCATION: Needles Hwy / N K St, Needles, CA

SUSPECT(S): Iaan Lee, 46 year-old transient

VICTIM(S): Confidential


SUMMARY: On Monday, August 10, 2020 at approximately 10:46 am deputies from the Colorado River Station / Needles Police located a reported stolen vehicle on Needles Hwy near N K St in Needles. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Mohave County, Arizona. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver, Iaan Lee, fled. Lee lead deputies on a pursuit W/B I-40, N/B US Hwy 95 into Nevada, then E/B on Hwy 163 to Laughlin, NV. Lee crossed into Bullhead City, AZ and drove down a dirt road to the Colorado River. Lee exited his vehicle and jumped into the Colorado River in an attempt to escape. Lee soon realized the current and width of the river was too much so he returned to the Arizona shore where he was arrested by deputies. Attempting to swim across the Colorado River is not recommended.

The Mohave County Sheriff's Office arrived and took custody of Lee for the original vehicle theft in their jurisdiction. A report will be forwarded to the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office for review and prosecution of California charges.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Deputy Jeremy Deruiter 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: Deputy Jeremy Deruiter

Station: Colorado River Station/ Needles Police Department

Phone No. 760-326-9200

Case No. 212000622

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