On October 27, 2024, at approximately 1:12 a.m., Ryne Santos, a 30-year-old Las Vegas, Nevada resident, was arrested for knowingly removing and defacing a political sign, criminal littering, and disorderly conduct near State Route 95 and Acoma Boulevard West after he was observed removing numerous political signs, breaking them with his hands, and scattering them across the highway. A witness confronted Ryne, and he attempted to provoke a physical confrontation after being told that removing signs was illegal.

After his initial appearance, Ryne was held on a $1000 cash bond and transferred into the custody of the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.

Throughout this election period, the Lake Havasu City Police Department has received several reports of damage or removal of political signs.  We want to reiterate to the community that removing or defacing political signs is a crime. 

ARS 16-1019A states in part, “It is a class 2 misdemeanor for any person to knowingly remove, alter, deface or cover any political sign of any candidate for public office or in support of or opposition to any ballot measure, question or issue or knowingly remove, alter or deface any political mailers, handouts, flyers or other printed materials of a candidate or in support of or opposition to any ballot measure, question or issue that are delivered by hand to a residence for the period commencing seventy-one days before an election and ending fifteen days after the election, except that for a sign for a candidate in a primary election who advances to the general election”

Anyone with information as to the recent political sign thefts and damage is asked to call the Lake Havasu City Police Department at (928) 855-1171. If you have any information about crimes or wanted criminals, please contact Havasu Silent Witness at 928-854-TIPS (8477), where you can remain anonymous. Citizens can also send an e-mail to the address below.

Public Information Officer: Sergeant Kyle Ridgway