Details:
On Friday, February 26, 2021, at 1:03 pm, deputies from the Lake Elsinore station responded to the 3900 block of Ash Street regarding armed robbery. Deputies learned through their investigation, a male driving an older model truck approached two males, pointed a black rifle at them and demanded their phones and wallets. The suspect fled the scene in the pick-up truck.
At 1:08 pm, an additional robbery call was reported from the area of Temescal Canyon Road and Indian Truck Trail, in the unincorporated area of Corona. The victim stated a male subject in an older pick-up truck, pointed a rifle at him, demanded his property and fled the scene.
At 1:15 pm, a brandishing of a rifle at Temescal Canyon and Campbell Ranch Road was reported. The suspect and vehicle matched the above robberies.
At 1:58 pm, a brandishing of a rifle at Temescal Canyon Road and Hostettler Road was reported. The suspect and vehicle description matched the above robberies.
While canvassing the area, deputies observed a vehicle matching the description of the robberies and conducted an enforcement stop in the area of Temescal Canyon Road and Dos Lagos. A male, later identified as Santiago Lopez Hernandez (38 years of Corona) was detained, a replica rifle was located, and personal belongings of the victims were recovered. Hernandez was positively identified as the suspect in all four cases and booked into Cois Byrd Detention Center for Robbery and for Brandishing a Firearm.
The investigation is on-going and anyone with further information on this case is encouraged to contact Deputy McVay from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 245-3300.
As a reminder, “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 766-1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency.
Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
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