“We’ve been noticing a lot of vehicles just drive the speed limit right past you, within a foot of us, as we’re doing a traffic stop,”  Deputy Sheriff Paul Abrego with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said.

The Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching stopped emergency or utility vehicles with flashing emergency or hazard lights, to protect personnel.

“For example, if it’s a 40-mile-per-hour zone, the good practice would be to cut your speed down to 20 miles per hour as you’re passing. If you’re unable to change lanes,” Abrego said.

He said the law applies to law enforcement, fire crews, ambulances, tow truck drivers, and Caltrans workers.

“It’s not only on the highways,” Abrego said. “This is also required on city roads.”

Abrego said ignoring the law puts lives at risk.

“It could cause a fatal accident. It could cause serious injury,” he said. “All these roadside workers have loved ones at home… It’s courtesy as well as the law.”

Starting soon, Abrego said the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (RSO) will launch enforcement operations.

Riverside County drivers who fail to move over or slow down face a $234 traffic fine.

“If something major happens, someone gets seriously injured, or a fatal accident happens, you can be charged criminally for the incident,” Abrego said.

The post Riverside County Sheriff’s Department cracking down on ‘Move Over’ violations appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Nestor Alexis Aguirre Chavez, 20, of Wilmington was arrested last week following an investigation by the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force.

Along with the trafficking count, Chavez is charged with pimping, pandering, contacting a minor for the purpose of perpetrating a sex crime and a sentence-enhancing allegation of inducing a minor to engage in criminal activity.

He pleaded not guilty during an arraignment before Superior Court Judge Judith Clark, who scheduled a felony settlement conference for Dec. 17 at the Riverside Hall of Justice.

Chavez is being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside.

According to Investigator Joseph Riddle of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, on Nov. 23, deputies were alerted that a 15-year-old girl was missing from her residence near Temecula.

The matter was referred to the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, which initiated an investigation that determined the victim was in Long Beach, where Chavez had allegedly put her to work as a prostitute after sexually assaulting her, Riddle said.

The defendant and victim, whose identity was not disclosed, had apparently met via social media.

The girl was found and taken to a hospital for treatment, after which she was placed in protective custody.

A search warrant was served on Chavez at his residence on East Rubidoux Street, where he was taken into custody without incident Friday.

Riddle said the case highlights how “predators … utilize social media platforms frequented by children and young adults to prey on their emotional and circumstantial vulnerabilities.”

“Parents are reminded to be vigilant and monitor the social media platforms used by their children,” the sergeant said.

Chavez has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

The post 20-Year-Old Man Charged With Sex Trafficking Of Temecula Teen appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Investigation Bureau opened the investigation on Oct. 9 after receiving information that 25-year-old Deputy Dakota Robson was in possession of a stolen vehicle, the department said.

Robson was arrested in Lake Elsinore that day and booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center on suspicion of vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle and unauthorized computer access.

He was released Oct. 10 on $10,000 bail and is expected to appear in court Nov. 21 at the Murrieta Southwest Justice Center.

Robson began his employment with the sheriff’s department in June 2023 and had recently been assigned to the sheriff’s Southwest station. He was placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation, the department announced.

Anyone with additional information about the case was encouraged to contact Deputy Koehler at the Special Investigation Bureau at 951-955-1700.

The post RivCo Deputy Accused Of Stealing Vehicle appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The victim’s identity was not released as of Tuesday afternoon.

The two-vehicle crash was reported at approximately 1:46 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of Grape and Olive streets.

Both drivers were trapped in their vehicles and had to be extricated by Cal Fire crews before being transported to a local hospital. Each victim was in critical condition, according to the sheriff’s department.

“One of the drivers ultimately succumbed to their injuries,” the law enforcement agency said.

An update on the other victim was unavailable.

No other injuries were reported.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though traffic investigators with the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station reported that alcohol was not a crash factor.

No arrests were announced.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Keyser at 951-245-3000 or the Riverside Sheriff’s Dispatch at 951-776-1099.

The post Driver Dies Following Wildomar Crash appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Lt. Nathan Kaas suffered a mortal gunshot wound early Sunday morning while on a mountain hunt for mule deer in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, near the Wyoming state line, according to published reports.

It was unclear whether his death was being investigated by the U.S. Forest Service, which has been impacted by the federal government shutdown, or the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Department.

“The Riverside Sheriff’s Office is not investigating this incident and, therefore, cannot provide any details regarding the circumstances,” according to an agency statement released Thursday. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Lt. Nathan Kaas’ family, friends and colleagues as they navigate this difficult time.”

Reports indicated that Kaas was in the federal preserve with a friend for a hunting excursion about 6 a.m. Sunday.

As the off-duty lawman’s friend was reportedly removing his rifle from its sleeve while the two men sat in a vehicle, the long gun discharged directly into one of Kaas’ legs.

The projectile apparently penetrated an artery, causing a significant blood loss before first responders could reach the location and render emergency aid, according to reports.

Kaas died at the scene, leaving behind a wife and three children, according to the Riverside Sheriffs’ Association, the union that represents deputies.

“Lt. Kaas began his career with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in April 2000,” according to the agency. “During his 25-year service, he held the ranks of investigator, sergeant and lieutenant. He was most recently assigned to the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team.”

During his years as a sergeant, particularly between 2015 and 2020, Kaas handled press releases for several sheriff’s stations, including Moreno Valley and Lake Elsinore. His name was familiar to media outlets throughout the region, appearing in statements concerning everything from carjackings and deadly crashes to murders.

There was no immediate word regarding funeral services for the fallen lawman.

The post RivCo SD Lieutenant Dies During Apparent Hunting Accident appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Travis Maze, a 36-year-old resident of Hemet, was pronounced dead at the scene while other drivers were hospitalized with moderate injuries following the crash, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies responded at 6:46 a.m. to Sanderson Avenue, south of Ramona Boulevard, where they found several drivers with injuries.

A preliminary investigation revealed several vehicles were traveling northbound on Sanderson Avenue when a crash happened, which sent Maze’s vehicle into oncoming traffic lanes where it was struck by a southbound car.

The investigation into the collision is ongoing. No other information was immediately available.

Anyone with information was urged to contact Deputy Cox at the San Jacinto Sheriff’s Station at 951-654-2702 or Riverside County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 951-776-1099, the department said.

The post RivCo Driver Dead After Multi-Vehicle Crash In San Jacinto appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The suspects, all residents of Jurupa Valley, were identified by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department as:

• Thomas Balandran, 50
• Sherri Alvarez, 48
• Brianna Balandran, 19
• Unidentified juvenile, 17

On April 24, deputies responded to a business in Temecula where thieves attempted to steal over $1,000 worth of merchandise.

Investigators identified the suspects and discovered they were responsible for at least 10 retail thefts throughout Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles counties. The family had reportedly stolen over $7,000 worth of items during those incidents, authorities said.

On May 13, a search warrant was served at a home in the 6800 block of Valley Way in Jurupa Valley.

During the search, deputies found a large amount of stolen merchandise with price tags still attached. Other items, including narcotics and paraphernalia, were also found in the home.

Detectives learned there were additional homes connected to the thefts that involved suspects knowingly buying stolen goods to resell for profit, also known as “fencing.”

On May 14, two additional warrants were served in Moreno Valley where over $3,000 worth of stolen items were found.

The adult family members were arrested on charges of organized retail theft, burglary, conspiracy, and grand theft. The 17-year-old juvenile was released to a family member and charges will be filed with juvenile probation.

Deputies discovered that Balandran was on probation for grand theft at the time and additional charges were added to include violation of probation and drug-related offenses.

Investigators believe there are more retail thefts involving the family that have not been reported.

Anyone with additional information can call Deputy Christina Weber at 951-696-3133.

“The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has zero tolerance for these offenses and will continue to work proactively with our allied agencies, loss prevention partners, and the District Attorney’s Office to combat organized retail crime,” authorities said.

The post Southern California family arrested for series of alleged retail thefts appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The investigation was worked tirelessly over the next several months and it was determined the victim’s father, Donald Wallace (32) from Riverside, was responsible for the Fentanyl that killed her. On February 24, 2022, Wallace was located and taken into custody without incident and booked for causing his infant daughters death. This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Master Investigator Peters at 951-955-1700. As a reminder, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department wants to remind citizens of the dangers of illicit narcotics many which may contain Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 100 times stronger than morphine and can cause death or serious bodily harm.

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PRE-TITLE: La Quinta

TITLE: Fentanyl Poisoning Arrest

BYLINE: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

STORY: On April 22, 2021, about 4:10 PM, Thermal Sheriff’s Station Deputies were dispatched to a call of an unresponsive male adult in the 53000 block of Troon Trail, city of La Quinta. Upon deputies’ arrival, it was determined a 35-year-old male adult was deceased. Through extensive investigation by investigators from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Overdose Death Investigations and Narcotics Unit (O.D.I.N.), it was determined the decedent, Gregory Glenn, was a victim of homicide due to a Fentanyl poisoning.

The investigation was worked tirelessly over the next several months and a suspect, Hector Cardona (40) from the city of Indio, was determined as being responsible for selling the Fentanyl that killed Glenn. On March 1, 2022, Cardona was located and taken into custody without incident and booked for causing Glenn’s death. This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Master Investigator Cornett at 951-955-1700. As a reminder, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department wants to remind citizens of the dangers of illicit narcotics many which may contain Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 100 times stronger than morphine and can cause death or serious bodily harm.

PHOTO CAPTION

Hector Cardona. | Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

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PRE-TITLE: Riverside County

TITLE: Fentanyl Sales Arrest

BYLINE: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

STORY:

In December of 2021, Amanda Listoe (31-year-old resident of Ontario) was arrested in the City of Eastvale for possession fentanyl pills for sales. After her release from custody, deputies assigned to the Eastvale Special Enforcement Team (SET) developed information that Listoe continued to sell fentanyl and other illegal narcotics throughout the cities of Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, Riverside and Corona. Gustavo Chavez (32-year-old resident of Ontario) was identified as a co-conspirator engaged in the sales of fentanyl with Listoe. On Tuesday, March 1, 2022, Eastvale SET deputies contacted Listoe and Chavez in the city of Norco. A subsequent search of their person and vehicle revealed a significant amount of fentanyl pills, methamphetamine and items indicative of the sales of controlled substances. Listoe and Chavez were arrested and booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center for illegal narcotic sales.

On March 3, 2022, deputies served a narcotics search warrant at Listoe and Chavez’ residence in the 3200 block of Yellowstone Drive, city of Ontario. Deputies located fentanyl pills, methamphetamine and items indicative of the sales of controlled substances. Listoe and Chavez were charged with additional charges related to narcotic sales while in custody.

Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Deputy Schofield at the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station at 951-955-2600.

As a reminder, “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776-1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

Amanda Listoe. | Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Gustavo Chavez. | Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

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PRE-TITLE: Lake Elsinore

TITLE: Homicide

BYLINE: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department STORY: On January 5, 2021, about 8:25 PM, Lake Elsinore Station Deputies were dispatched to a call of an unresponsive male adult in a vehicle in the 29000 block of Central Ave, city of Lake Elsinore. Upon deputies’ arrival, it was determined a 26-year-old male adult was deceased. Through extensive investigation by investigators from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Overdose Death Investigations and Narcotics Unit and the Lake Elsinore Station, it was determined the decedent, Gavin Battle, was a victim of homicide due to a Fentanyl poisoning. The investigation was continuously worked over the next several months and a suspect, Everardo Rodriguez (30) from the city of Lake Elsinore, was determined as being the suspect responsible for selling the Fentanyl that killed Battle.

On March 4, 2022, Rodriguez was located and taken into custody without incident and booked for Murder. This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator Hollingsworth at 951-955-1700. As a reminder, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department wants to remind citizens of the dangers of illicit narcotics many which may contain Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 100 times stronger than morphine and can cause death or serious bodily harm.

PHOTO CAPTION

Everardo Rodriguez. | Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

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