Men stole 85 Koi fish from restaurant pond, sheriff says

A Yucaipa man was arrested on allegations that he and another man fishnapped 85 Koi from a restaurant pond.

It happened Saturday in the early morning hours at Oak House Restaurant in Yucaipa, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Investigators say they viewed security footage from the restaurant and were able to identify a suspect vehicle, and at least one of the men involved.

A search warrant was eventually authored, leading to deputies taking 42-year-old David Smith into custody.

Deputies searched Smith’s home and confirmed that his vehicle was the same as the one shown in the security footage.

Sheriff’s officials said five of the Koi were found at his home, as well as additional evidence that linked him to the crime.

The fish have since been returned to the restaurant, who were “grateful” for their rescue.

Smith was booked at the Central Detention Center in Rialto on a $30,000 bail as he awaits charges for grand theft.

The whereabouts of the other 80-some fish is unknown, and the Sheriff’s Department have not released any information about the potential second suspect.

The owner of Oak House Restaurant said in a Facebook post that they believed the remaining fish had been sold. “Hopefully the judge will make him do time in jail, but we never [know]. For now the fishes are gone,” they wrote.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Yucaipa Sheriff’s Station at 909-918-2305. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 1-800-782-7463.