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Yucaipa Man Arrested in Theft of 85 Koi From Restaurant Pond

The suspect is being held on $30,000 bail at the Central Detention Center.

Koi fish have been a staple of Oak House Restaurant in Yucaipa, Calif., for 25 years.
Surveillance video led deputies to one of the two men accused in the theft, sheriff’s officials said.

Overview

  • Approximately 85 koi fish vanished from the Oak House Restaurant’s decorative pond in Yucaipa over several nights in June.
  • Deputies identified the 42-year-old suspect using surveillance footage and arrested him on a grand theft charge after finding five stolen koi at his home.
  • The five recovered fish were returned to the restaurant but one koi died shortly after its return.
  • The suspect remains in custody at the Central Detention Center on $30,000 bail.
  • With large koi averaging $225 each, the theft represents a potential loss of more than $19,000 as investigators pursue leads on the missing fish and a second suspect.