(crime watch)
Thermal
Search warrant Service reference Criminal Threats and Felon in possession of a Firearm
On September 03, 2019, deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Thermal Station Southern Coachella Valley Community Services District, Coachella Community Action Team, La Quinta Special Enforcement Team, and Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) served a search warrant in the unincorporated area of Thermal. This operation was initiated by deputies when they investigated a complaint of criminal threats and felon in possession of a firearm occurring on August 27, 2019.
During this incident the suspect was identified as Jose Eduardo Mascareno, 31 of Thermal. Mascareno was also wanted for two outstanding felony warrants out of Riverside County. During the service of the search warrant, the suspect barricaded himself inside the residence. SEB was contacted and responded. SEB deployed their avatar robot and K9 unit deployed their dog. Ultimately, SEB entered the residence and located the suspect hiding in one of the bedrooms, behind a dresser he had positioned to wedge himself against the wall. Mascareno was charged with Criminal Threats, Felon in possession of a firearm/ammunition, and two outstanding felony warrants. Mascareno was booked at Indio Jail.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
Perris
Lewd Conduct in a Public Place
On August 31, 2019, at 11:37 am, deputies assigned to Menifee responded to the Menifee Town Center, located at the intersection of Newport Rd., and Haun Rd., regarding a suspicious person. The reporting party called to report an Asian Male Adult approaching women asking them if they would to engage in sexual intercourse with him. The male was also seen walking through the parking lot looking inside vehicles. An additional citizen called Riverside Sheriff’s Dispatch to report the same male attempted to open the door to her vehicle while she was inside of it.
When deputies arrived, they located and detained 31-year-old Vincent Flores of Menifee, in front of a business. Deputies interviewed the victim and determined a violation of Lewd Conduct in a Public Place occurred. Mr. Flores was subsequently booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
Lake Elsinore
Illegal Firearms
Austin Harris, 21 
Edgar Meza, 32
On Friday, August 30, 2019, at approximately 9:25 PM, a deputy from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station conducted a traffic enforcement stop of a vehicle and trailer at Club Drive and Spring Street, in Good Hope. The driver, Edgar Meza-Gonzalez (32 years, residing in Perris) and the passenger, Austin Harris (21 years, residing in Perris), were both detained. Several prohibited firearms were located in the vehicle.
A records check showed the vehicle had expired registration and the trailer it was pulling had been reported stolen out of Ontario. Both Harris and Gonzalez were arrested for weapons violations and possession of stolen property. They were booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
(crime watch)
Thermal
Suspect Arrested for Assault on Peace Officer and Vehicle Theft
On Friday, August 30, 2019, at 9:30 A.M. the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force conducted follow-up investigation reference an incident that occurred on Thursday, August 22, 2019 in Thermal. During the initial incident, the suspect later identified as David Cruz, 29 of Thermal, drove a stolen car at a Deputy Sheriff in an attempt to run the deputy over. The deputy was able to avoid being struck by the vehicle and was uninjured. Today, Gang Task Force Officers located Cruz near the 88000 block of Avenue 70 in Thermal and took Cruz into custody without incident. Cruz was charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Peace Officer and Vehicle Theft. Cruz was booked at the Indio Jail.
The Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force is committed to creating safe and secure neighborhoods free of violent crime and gang activity.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
Temecula
Arrest of Theft Suspects, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
On Friday, August 30, 2019, at 8:00 AM, deputies assigned to the Temecula Sheriff’s Station’s Burglary Suppression Team, served a search warrant in the area of the 3000 block of West Thornton Ave, Hemet. The search warrant was the result of an extensive investigation into an organized retail theft ring targeting retailers such as Walmart, Costco, Lowes, Home Depot, and others.
Over $60,000 of stolen property was recovered at the location, along with two stolen firearms and a sawed-off shotgun.Three subjects were arrested at the residence. Angel Amezola (55), Gilbert Garcia (35), and John Cayanan (25), all residing in Hemet.
They will be booked into Cois Byrd Detention Center on multiple charges, including possession of stolen property and possession of a prohibited firearm.
Angel Amezola, 55 
John Cayanan, 25 
Gilbert Garcia, 35
Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle
Search: crime watch
