Contributed

The West Coast housing market is metaphorically on fire — with rotting shacks selling for millions. Decades of policies to restrict housing in desirable neighborhoods has pushed prices up — and it has also pushed houses out into more rural, forested areas. As a result, West Coast housing is periodically on fire in the literal sense as well.

On Tuesday, June 15th, 2021, around 4:40 PM, Border Patrol agents working routine patrol, in plain clothes and driving unmarked patrol vehicles, encountered a suspect who they had been informed was armed and wanted for assault with a deadly weapon by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. The suspect was driving southbound on Interstate 15, near Lake Elsinore, CA. Agents followed the suspect for several minutes before he exited the highway and parked at a gas station. When agents attempted to take the man into custody, he drove his vehicle toward the agents and struck two Border Patrol vehicles as he fled the area. Border Patrol requested assistance from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

On Tuesday, June 15th, 2021, around 4:40 PM, Border Patrol agents working routine patrol, in plain clothes and driving unmarked patrol vehicles, encountered a suspect who they had been informed was armed and wanted for assault with a deadly weapon by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. The suspect was driving southbound on Interstate 15, near Lake Elsinore, CA. Agents followed the suspect for several minutes before he exited the highway and parked at a gas station. When agents attempted to take the man into custody, he drove his vehicle toward the agents and struck two Border Patrol vehicles as he fled the area. Border Patrol requested assistance from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

A few weeks ago, a Moreno Valley resident submitted an anonymous Crime Tip through the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department web page. The resident reported a unique looking vehicle seen throughout the city stealing mail and packages left on porches. The Moreno Valley Station’s Robbery/Burglary Suppression Team (RBST) assumed the investigation and followed-up on the lead.

On June 14, 2021, at 7:50 PM, deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff Department, Moreno Valley Station, responded to a report a major injury traffic collision on Lasselle Street and John F. Kennedy Drive. Deputies and Fire/Rescue personnel arrived within minutes and started rescue efforts on the vehicle occupants. Preliminary investigation indicates a white Mercedes SUV was traveling southbound on Lasselle Street at John F. Kennedy Drive. A red Toyota sedan was traveling northbound on Lasselle Street. For an unknown reason, the Mercedes crossed into opposing traffic and struck the Toyota. The driver of the Toyota was pronounced deceased at the scene by paramedics. The other vehicle occupants were transported to local hospitals with various injuries.