YUCAIPA, CALIFORNIA — A Yucaipa man has been arrested on grand theft charges after he and another individual allegedly stole 85 Koi fish from a restaurant pond in the early morning hours on Saturday.
The theft occurred at the Oak House Restaurant in Yucaipa, prompting a swift investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The Fishnapping: A Surprising Theft
According to officials, investigators reviewed security footage from the Oak House Restaurant and were able to identify a suspect vehicle and at least one of the individuals involved. David Smith, 42, was arrested following the investigation.
Deputies obtained a search warrant for Smith’s home, where they discovered that his vehicle matched the one seen in the security footage.
The authorities also found five Koi fish at Smith’s residence, along with additional evidence that connected him to the crime.
The Missing Koi and Ongoing Investigation
After Smith’s arrest, the five Koi were returned to the Oak House Restaurant, where officials expressed their gratitude for the safe return of the fish.
However, the whereabouts of the remaining 80 fish are still unknown. The Sheriff’s Department has not released any details about a second suspect involved in the theft.
In a Facebook post, the owner of the Oak House Restaurant shared their belief that the missing fish may have been sold. “Hopefully, the judge will make him do time in jail, but we never know. For now, the fishes are gone,” they wrote.
Smith’s Arrest and Bail Details
Smith was booked at the Central Detention Center in Rialto and held on a $30,000 bail as he awaits charges for grand theft.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are still seeking information about the remaining fish and the potential second suspect.
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Call for Information
Anyone with information about the stolen fish or the second suspect is encouraged to contact the Yucaipa Sheriff’s Station at 909-918-2305. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-782-7463 or submitting them online.
What Do You Think?
Do you think the punishment fits the crime for this bizarre theft? How should authorities handle cases of unusual or creative theft like this one? Share your thoughts in the comments below on RidgecrestPact.org.
