A man with an outstanding felony warrant was arrested on August 25, 2025, in the unincorporated area of Blythe after authorities received information about his whereabouts during an investigation into a stolen dirt bike. According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, deputies from the Colorado River Sheriff’s Station responded to the 9600 block of North Broadway and learned that Rene Francisco Tapia, 35, of Blythe, was hiding in a shed on the property.
With support from the Blythe Police Department, officers set up a perimeter around the shed and issued verbal commands for Tapia to surrender. Tapia exited the shed and was taken into custody without incident.
During a search of the shed, deputies found three firearms and approximately 82 grams of suspected methamphetamine. The department stated that Tapia is a convicted felon and is legally barred from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Tapia was booked at Blythe Jail on charges related to his felony warrant, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of narcotics. The previously reported stolen dirt bike was also recovered as part of the operation. Authorities say their investigation remains ongoing.
The sheriff’s department asks anyone with additional information regarding this case to contact Deputy Moreno at the Colorado River Sheriff’s Station by calling (760) 921–7900.
For media inquiries about this incident, contact can be made through the Media Information Bureau. Those interested in employment opportunities with the department are encouraged to visit joinrso.org or call 1-888-Join-RSD.
