DATE/TIME: Monday, January 17, 2022, 8:17 a.m.
INCIDENT: Arson & Felony Vandalism
LOCATION: 950 Front Street, El Garces Station, Needles, CA
200 block of I Street, Needles, CA
SUSPECT(S): Charles Parnell, 40 years old, resident of Fresno, CA
VICTIM(S): City of Needles
SUMMARY: On Monday, January 17, 2022, at approximately 8:17 a.m., deputies from the Colorado River Station / Needles Police Department, along with detectives from the San Bernardino County Bombs and Arson Detail responded to a report of a fire at the El Garces train station located at 950 Front Street in Needles. Deputies determined an unlawful fire had been intentionally started, causing damage to a bathroom within the building.
During the investigation, Charles Parnell was located within the area starting another fire. Parnell was detained and through investigation, was identified as the suspect of the El Garces fire and was arrested for arson. At approximately 2:13 pm, deputies responded to a report of vandalism at the 200 block of I Street in Needles. Through investigation, deputies determined Parnell unlawfully entered private property, caused damage to valuable equipment, and attempted to forcibly access locked garbage bins.
Parnell was transported and booked into the High Desert Detention Center with a bail amount of $100,000. Parnell remains in the custody of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, awaiting a court hearing.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact 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: Deputy J. Bacon or Deputy K. Lunde
Station: Colorado River Sheriff's Station / Needles Police Department
Phone No. (760) 326-9200
Case No. 212200059/212200062
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
