Thermal

Agricultural Theft and Search Warrant Service – Incident Date: 06/28/2019

On September 18, 2019, deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Thermal Station Southern Coachella Valley Community Services District, served a search warrant in the unincorporated area of Mecca.  This operation was initiated by an agricultural theft that occurred on June 28, 2019. The thefts totaled $1,500 in Brown Turkey Figs and $450 in plastic crates unique to the ranch they were stolen from. Thermal Station Agricultural Liaison deputy assumed the investigation and identified the suspect as Edgar Cazares Castillo, 24 of Mecca.  Deputies then wrote a search warrant for his residence. Castillo was taken into custody at the Thermal Station. Castillo was charged with Grand theft and Agricultural Grand theft. Castillo was booked at Indio Jail.

Any information please contact the Southern Coachella Valley Community Services District at (760)863-8990.

Palm Desert

DUI Traffic Collision – Incident Date: 09/17/19

On September 17, 2019, at 10:55 p.m., Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Palm Desert Station responded to a single vehicle traffic collision in the 70600 block of Highway 111, within the city of Rancho Mirage. Deputies determined a blue Honda sedan traveling eastbound on Highway 111 veered off the roadway and collided with a palm tree. The driver of the Honda, Jorge Casas, age 34 of Palm Desert, was determined to have been operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Jorge Casas was booked into the Riverside County Jail in Indio for driving under the influence.

Any information please contact Deputy Nicole Wilhite from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department at 760-836-1600, or Crime Stoppers at 760-341-STOP (7867).

Lake Elsinore

Narcotics Sales – Incident Date: 09-16-2019

On Monday, September 16, 2019, at 9:12 PM, deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s station responded to the area of Scrivener Street X Graham Avenue, in the city of Lake Elsinore, reference reports of a Green BMW driving erratically.

Deputies arrived and located a Green BMW driving in the area and performed a vehicle stop.  The driver of the BMW, Richard Cooley, age 39, a resident of Wildomar was on Felony probation for receiving stolen property.  Deputies searched his vehicle in accordance with his probation terms and located 11.5 grams of heroin, 5.9 grams of methamphetamine, packaging, an airsoft pistol and other items common with the sales of narcotics. 

Richard Cooley was arrested and booked into Cois Byrd Detention Center on the charges of transportation for sales of methamphetamine and heroin, as well as violation of probation.

Any information please call Deputy Frey at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station at (951) 245-3300 or Riverside County Sheriff’s dispatch at (951) 776-1099.   

La Quinta

DUI Single Vehicle Traffic Collision – Incident Date: September 16, 2019

On September 16, 2019, at 12:05 AM, Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the city of La Quinta, responded to a non-injury single vehicle traffic collision at Eisenhower Dr. and Calle Tampico in the city of La Quinta.  During the investigation, deputies determined alcohol and drugs were a factor. The driver, Ramon Ruiz, 20 of La Quinta, was arrested for driving under the influence. Ruiz was booked at the Riverside County Jail in Indio.

Any information please contact Deputy M. Scott at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station (760) 863-8990 or Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch (760) 836-8348.

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Perris

Homicide

Incident Date: September 9, 2019

Investigators from the Central Homicide Unit identified Bun Leuk, a 44-year-old resident of Perris,as the suspect. On Tuesday, September 11, 2019, about 12:15 AM, officers from the Fontana Police Department assisted with a vehicle stop at Riverside Avenue and Interstate 10 in the city of Rialto. Bun was located driving a Toyota Tacoma truck, believed to have been the vehicle used during the incident. The vehicle was impounded for evidence, and Mr. Leuk was taken into custody and booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center in the city of Riverside. The investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Central Homicide Investigator Button at (760) 393-3531 or (951) 955-2777.

Details:

On Monday, September 09, 2019, about 4:50 PM, deputies from the Perris Station responded to the 29000 Block of 13th Street in the unincorporated area of Riverside County known as Nuevo in reference to an assault with a deadly weapon.

Upon arrival, deputies found a female deceased in the roadway of 13th Street and a second female injured. The suspect fled the scene before deputies arrived and has not been located. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation.

This is an active investigation and no additional details are currently available. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Central Homicide Investigator Button at (760) 393-3531 or (951) 955-2777.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Perris

Homicide

Incident Date: September 6, 2019

On Friday, September 6, 2019, at 11:22 PM, deputies responded to 33 Whirlaway Street in the city of Perris, in reference to a report of multiple people being assaulted at the residence. Deputies arrived on scene to find a female victim deceased from injuries sustained during the attack. A second female and a male were also located at the residence suffering from traumatic injuries. Both were transported to a local hospital where they received care for their injuries. The scene was secured and the Central Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation.

During the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Anthony Varela, 29 years of Perris. He was taken into custody and booked at the Robert Presley Detention  Center in Riverside.

This is an active investigation and no additional details are currently available. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Central Homicide Investigator Alfaro at (760) 393-3528 or (951) 955-2777.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Palm Desert

DUI Traffic Collision

Incident Date: September 8, 2019

On September 8, 2019, at 5:12 p.m., Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Palm Desert Station, investigated a single vehicle traffic collision within the 45900 block of Highway 74, Palm Desert. The investigation determined a white Ford sedan, driven by a Collen Cosner, age 48 of Palm Desert, veered off the roadway and struck a parked vehicle at the location. Collen Cosner was found to have been operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. After being medically cleared at a local hospital, Collen Cosner was booked into the Riverside County Jail in Indio for driving under the influence.

The investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact, Deputy Christopher Williams from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Palm Desert Station at 760-836-1600, or Crime Stoppers at 760-341-STOP (7867). The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department urges all drivers not to drink and drive.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Moreno Valley

Attempt Murder

Incident Date: September 6, 2019

On September 6, 2019, at approximately 2:15 AM, deputies from the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to a shots fired call at the 14000 block of Vinehill St., Moreno Valley.  The initial investigation revealed there was a verbal dispute which escalated to the suspect brandishing a pistol and shooting the victim in the abdomen. The suspect fled the area and hid in a neighborhood near 22000 block of Allies Pl., Moreno Valley.  The victim’s friends transported him to the hospital where he is currently being treated. 

The Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station Special Enforcement Team (SET), Robbery & Burglary Suppression Team (RBST), Riverside County S.W.A.T. and Fugitive Warrant Enforcement Team (FWET) responded to the area.  The suspect was located and taken into custody without further incident. Team members search his vehicle and located the firearm used in the assault. 

Juan Cardenas (19-years-old), resident of Moreno Valley, was arrested and booked into Robert Presley Detention Center (RPDC) for attempted murder. 

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Deputy Sinclair with the RBST at the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 486-6700. 

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Thermal

Search Warrant Results in Firearm Seizure and Arrest

Incident Date: September 6, 2019

On Friday, September 6, 2019, at 7:45 P.M. the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force with the assistance of La Quinta Special Enforcement Team served a weapons related search warrant near the 52000 block of Avenida Navarro in the City of La Quinta. The search warrant stemmed from an incident that occurred on September 5, 2019, during which time members of La Quinta Special Enforcement Team arrested documented criminal street gang member, Eric Basquez, 40 of La Quinta during a vehicle stop for being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Methamphetamine and Evading a Peace Officer.  A loaded .40 caliber semi-auto handgun was recovered during the incident. Basquez was booked at the Indio Jail.

During today’s search warrant, Gang Task Force Officers seized a .357 revolver, and several rounds of ammunition.  Gang Task Force Officers arrested Jose Angel Arellano, 20 of La Quinta for being in possession of an unregistered handgun.  Arellano was booked at Smith Correctional Facility. 

The Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force is committed to creating safe and secure neighborhoods free of violent crime and gang activity. If you have any information about this crime, please contact CVVCGTF member Officer Villasenor at (760) 836-1600. If you have non-emergency information regarding gang activity, please use our online Gang Task Force Tip Form or call 951-922-7601.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Perris

Homicide

Incident Date: September 1, 2019

During the course of this investigation, Eduardo Salvador Escoto, a 35-year old male, who resided on the Palm Avenue property, has been identified as a suspect in Brandie Frazier’s murder. Frazier’s 2016 white Chevy Suburban with license plate DP522MB, is missing from her residence and it is believed Escoto fled in her vehicle. The Suburban has a pink Chevy emblem on the front of the vehicle and black wheels. Escoto has a warrant for his arrest and is believed to have fled to Guadalajara, Mexico. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the vehicle or Escoto in the event he has not crossed the border. Do not approach Escoto or the vehicle and notify law enforcement immediately if either is seen. 

This investigation is ongoing and the Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Central Homicide Unit Investigator Bishop at (951) 955-2777, or Perris Sheriff Station Investigator Salisbury at (951) 210-1000.

Details:

On Sunday, September 1st, 2019, at 11:00 AM, deputies from the Perris Sheriff’s Station responded to a residence in the 17000 block of Palm Road near Lake Matthews, to investigate a report of a dead body. When the deputies arrived on Palm Avenue, they located a deceased female adult and determined she was the victim of a homicide. Perris Station investigators and the Central Homicide Unit assumed the investigation. The victim has been identified as Brandie Frazier, a 42 year old female. The suspect is outstanding, however, there is no known threat to public safety. The investigation is currently on-going and anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Bishop of the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

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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

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.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

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THERMAL

Man Arrested In Thermal After Barricading Himself In Home

A man who allegedly barricaded himself inside a Thermal home when sheriff’s deputies arrived to serve arrest and search warrants was behind bars today.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department received a complaint on Aug. 27 involving alleged criminal threats and a felon in possession of a firearm at a home in the 88700 block of Thermal, and arrived a week later with a warrant to search the home, according to sheriff’s Sgt. Sal Gonzalez.

When deputies arrived at the residence on Tuesday, 31-year-old Jose Eduardo Mascareno — who was also wanted on two outstanding felony arrest warrants — holed up inside, the sergeant said. Deputies initially deployed a remote-controlled robot and a K-9 unit to search the home before making entry, he said. They found Mascareno hiding behind a dresser in one of the bedrooms, Gonzalez said.

Mascareno was booked into the Indio jail, with bail set at $150,000.

City News Service

BANNING

Felon Charged with Leading Cops on 30-Mile Chase

Felony charges were filed today against a parolee accused of stealing an SUV in Hemet and leading law enforcement officers on a 30-mile chase into Moreno Valley, where he was captured.

Andrew Devin Barnes, 34, of Hemet, was slated to make his initial court appearance this afternoon at the Banning Justice Center on charges of evading and receiving a stolen vehicle and parole violations.

According to Hemet police Lt. Nate Miller, a patrolman cruising the 600 block of West Florida Avenue about 7 p.m. Thursday spotted a red Saturn Vue occupied by a man and woman who were behaving suspiciously.

The officer ran a check on the compact SUV’s license plate and confirmed that it had been reported stolen earlier in the week, Miller said.

He said the officer signaled the driver to pull over, and the convicted felon initially complied, but before the lawman could approach the Saturn, Barnes allegedly accelerated, triggering a non-injury pursuit that went north through San Jacinto and then west into Homeland, where Barnes turned onto northbound Interstate 215.

California Highway Patrol officers took over the high-speed pursuit, with a Riverside County sheriff’s helicopter crew tracking overhead, Miller said.

When the defendant reached Moreno Valley, he stopped on Golden Crest Drive and bailed out of the Saturn, leaving his female companion sitting in the front passenger seat, according to the lieutenant.

Officers quickly caught up to Barnes and took him into custody without further incident. He was booked at the Smith Correctional Facility, with bail set at $170,000.

The woman was questioned and released at the scene.

According to court records, the defendant has prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon, making criminal threats and theft.

City News Service

CABAZON

Man Killed In Cabazon Crash ID’d

Authorities today released the name of a New Mexico man killed in a collision on Interstate 10 in Cabazon.

Scott Fliegel, 56, of Albuquerque, was pronounced dead at the scene of the two-vehicle crash, which was reported at 10:08 a.m. Tuesday on eastbound I-10 near Main Street, according to the California Highway Patrol and the coroner’s office.

Fliegel’s passenger, a 43-year-old woman from Albuquerque, was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center with moderate injuries, and the other driver, a  Torrance man, was treated for minor injuries at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital in Banning, the CHP reported.

The 51-year-old motorist, whose name was not released, was weaving in and out of traffic in a 2008 Mercury Marquis when he swerved into Fliegel’s Ford F-150 pickup truck in another lane, CHP Officer Darren Meyer said.

The back of the Mercury struck the front of the truck, causing both drivers to lose control of their vehicles, which slid sideways toward the right- hand shoulder, Meyer said. Both vehicles overturned, tumbled down an embankment and landed on Railroad Avenue just south of the freeway, he said.

Meyer said an investigation was underway to determine whether alcohol, drugs, driver distraction and mechanical failure may be factors in the Collision.

City News Service

HEMET

Water Leak in Hemet Causes Brown Water, Repairs Set to Resume

Work to repair a large leak in Hemet’s main water distribution line is set to resume today.

The leak occurred in a facility near Ivy Street and Carnation Avenue about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and stirred up sediments that turned water brown, according to the Hemet Water Department. It affected water pressure, turned water brown and prompted city officials to warn residents not to use tap water until repairs could be made.

Water department officials announced about 5 p.m. Tuesday repair crews had isolated the water main leak and secured the site for repairs.

Due to the location of the water main line impacted, the department asked all other utilities in the area to locate and mark any underground utility infrastructure near the repair site.

Ivy Street between Wildflower Street and Carnation Avenue will be closed during the repair, officials said.

The brown water caused by the main line leak should begin to subside as system pressure normalizes. Water department officials warned residents it could take up to 24 hours to flush the system and clear water of sediments and the brown color and they could experience a drop in water pressure while repairs were underway.

The discolored water is not dangerous, but the water department recommended that residents temporarily not use tap water for any nonessential purposes in order to allow time for the sediments to clear.

Once repairs have been completed, residents were urged to open their cold water faucets and let the water flow until clear, then do the same with the hot water. Once both cold and hot water was clear, water is ready for use as normal, the water department said.

City News Service

RIVERSIDE

Average Riverside County Gas Price Rises For Sixth Consecutive Day

The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County posted its sixth consecutive increase today after dropping 23 times in 25 days to its lowest amount since March 26.

The average price rose eighth-tenths of a cent Wednesday to $3.581. It has risen 8.9 cents over the past six days, including 1.2 cents on Tuesday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It is 8.7 cents more than one week ago and 3.8 cents higher than one year ago but six- tenths of a cent less than one month ago.

The increasing pump prices stem from Southern California refiners buying gasoline supply on the wholesale market last week, which drove wholesale prices up by about 30 cents, according to Marie Montgomery of the Automobile Club of Southern California.

City News Service

INDIO

Man Accused Of Stabbing Sister To Make Court Appearance

A Desert Hot Springs man who allegedly stabbed his sister in the face is due back in court today.

Juan Angel Lopez, 38, is scheduled to appear this morning for a trial- readiness conference. He’s accused of attacking his sister on Dec. 7, 2017 at a transient camp in the Desert Hot Springs.

After the two argued on and off throughout the day, Lopez allegedly approached his then 35-year-old sister while she was talking to someone and stabbed her in the face with a knife, according to an arrest warrant declaration.

He was originally charged in early 2018 with attempted murder, mayhem and several sentence enhancements for causing great bodily injury, but a judge dismissed the attempted murder charge in January.

The nature of the argument between Lopez and his sister was not detailed in the warrant, nor was the severity of her injuries.

The sister, as well as other witnesses, positively identified Lopez as the suspect, according to the declaration, which also alleges that he sent several text messages to one of the witnesses that indicated he was coming to the area to stab his sister.

Lopez remains jailed in Indio in lieu of $1 million bail.

City News Service

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