June 8, 2025 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on June 6, 2025, at approximately 3:20 p.m., deputies from the Colorado River Station Special Enforcement Team were in the 1500 block of Hobson Way in Blythe when they recognized a male passenger in a red Chevrolet Malibu. The individual, identified as 37-year-old Joel Garnica from Blythe, is known to be on probation and to carry large quantities of illegal drugs.

Garnica exited the vehicle and immediately fled on foot. Deputies pursued him to the rear yard of a liquor store on East Hobsonway, where he was apprehended. A subsequent search revealed that he was in possession of methamphetamine intended for sale. A probation hold was issued by Imperial County Probation.

Garnica was arrested and booked into the Blythe Jail on charges including transportation and possession of a controlled substance for sale, violation of probation, and resisting arrest. His bail was set at $50,000.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with additional information to contact Deputy Moreno or Deputy Johnson at (760) 921-7900 and reference incident #A251570024. Callers can remain anonymous.

Citizens may also submit an anonymous tip using the Sheriff’s Crime Tips online form.

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Jeremy Klemp

File # A251570024

Source: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office