Riverside Sheriff Feed

Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Ed Reynoso

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Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Reminds Drivers to Always Stop for School Buses During National School Bus Safety Week

Blythe, CA – This National School Bus Safety Week (October 17-21), Riverside Sheriff-Colorado River Station supports efforts throughout the state to keep children and caregivers safe by reminding drivers on the dangers of passing a stopped school bus. Drivers are required to come to a complete stop when a school bus stop-arm is extended, and the red lights are flashing.

Held annually during the third week of October, National School Bus Safety Week is a way for parents, children, teachers, bus drivers, school administrators and law enforcement to promote traveling to and from school by bus as a safe transportation option. This year’s campaign focuses on preventing illegal school bus passing.

While riding the bus is the safest way for children to get to and from school, an alarming number of drivers illegally pass school buses who have their red lights activated. From 2011 to 2020 a total of 218 school-age children (18 and younger) died in school-bus-related crashes during that period, either riding on school buses, other cars, or on foot or bike, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

During National School Bus Safety Week, uniformed deputies will work to monitor crosswalks and areas surrounding the schools for drivers who do not yield for bicyclists or pedestrians, are speeding, or illegally passing a school bus.

With few exceptions, California law requires drivers to stop in both directions when a school bus has flashing red lights on. Drivers must stop until the red lights are off, and children are on or off the bus and safely out of the road.

“It is so important that we remind drivers in our community that when red lights are flashing, there is no passing,” Riverside Sheriff-Colorado River Station Deputy Ruvalcaba said. “Children and their parents/guardians are relying on drivers to follow the law and keep them safe.”

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Reporting Deputy: Ian Noel

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The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to battle alcohol-related harm in the community. The project focus area is located in the Southwest corridor, which includes the cities of Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Temecula, and Wildomar.

“This is important to the county of Riverside in order to increase protection for youth and to shut down problem locations that have contributed to an increase in crime,” said Sheriff Chad Bianco.

The grant is one of several awarded in California to local law enforcement agencies through ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership (APP) program.

The grants strengthen local law enforcement efforts by combining the talents of local police officers and ABC agents. ABC agents have expertise in alcoholic beverage laws and can help communities reduce alcohol-related harm.

“The program can improve the quality of life in neighborhoods,” said ABC Director Eric Hirata. “We’ve seen a real difference in the communities where the grant program resources have been invested.”

The APP program was created in 1995 to strengthen partnerships between ABC and local law enforcement agencies. The program is designed to keep alcohol away from minors and prevent harm to the community.

The funds will be used to reduce the number of alcoholic beverage sales to minors, obviously intoxicated patrons, illegal solicitations of alcohol, and other criminal activities such as the sale and possession of illegal drugs.

The APP program has distributed over $40 million to local law enforcement to combat alcohol-related harm.

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Reporting Deputy: Sergeant David Clark

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On September 17, 2022, deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, along with agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) conducted a Minor Decoy Operation and Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation in the cities of Lake Elsinore and Wildomar. The operation netted one citation of a store clerk for selling alcohol to minors at a business in the 100 block of W Graham Avenue in Lake Elsinore and two citations for adults who purchased alcohol for minors at a business in the 31000 block of Riverside Drive in Lake Elsinore.

The Minor Decoy Operation involved minors who work under the direct supervision of deputies and agents. The minors attempted to purchase alcohol from seven retail licensees in the cities of Lake Elsinore and Wildomar.

Those who sold to the minor face a minimum fine of $250, and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation. In addition, ABC will take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business where alcohol was sold to a minor. That may include a fine, a suspension, or the permanent revocation of the license.

In addition to the Minor Decoy Operation, deputies and ABC agents also conducted a Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation. A Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation targets adults who purchase alcohol for people less than 21 years of age. Under the program, a minor under the direct supervision of a peace officer will stand outside a liquor or convenience store and ask patrons to buy them alcohol. The minor indicates in some way he or she is underage and cannot purchase the alcohol. If the adults agree to purchase alcohol for the minor, agents then arrest and cite them for furnishing alcohol to the minor. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

ABC and local law enforcement conduct compliance checks statewide to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a higher rate of drunken driving fatalities than the general adult population. About 25 percent of alcohol-related crashes involve underage drinking according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Minor Decoy operations have been conducted by local law enforcement throughout the state since the 1980s. When the program first began, the violation rate of retail establishments selling to minors was as high as 40 to 50 percent. When conducted on a routine basis, the rate has dropped in some cities to 10 percent or even below. In 1994, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that use of underage decoys is a valid tool of law enforcement to ensure that licensees are complying with the law.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) through the Department’s Alcohol Policing Partnership program. The ABC is a part of the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency. It enforces the regulation of the state’s alcohol laws as set forth in the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Act.

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Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Brad Foster

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Child Passenger Safety Week is Sept. 18-24

Cities of Lake Elsinore and Wildomar, Calif. – During Child Passenger Safety Week, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will help parents and caregivers understand the importance of installing child safety seats.

“We are here to offer parents and caregivers guidance and reassurances that their child is as safe in a car seat as possible while riding in the car,” Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Joel Holland said.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of car seats (46%) are misused.

California law requires all children under 2 years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless the child is 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall. Parents are encouraged to keep your child in rear- and forward-facing seats as long as possible. Children 8 and older, who are at least 4 feet, 9 inches in height, may ride in the back seat of a vehicle in a properly fitted safety belt.

To search for car seat programs in your county, visit the OTS website. You may also contact your local CHP Area Office to schedule a free child safety seat inspection.

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Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Brad Foster

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Slow Down, Look Out for People Walking: September is Pedestrian Safety Month

Cities of Lake Elsinore and Wildomar, Calif. – September is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will participate in activities throughout the month encouraging the safety of people walking.

Based on data projections from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), 7,485 people, or an average of 20 people every day, died after being struck by a vehicle last year – an 11.5% increase from 2020 and a 40-year high.

“People should not feel in danger walking,” Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Trevor Downs said. “Drivers, please slow down and be aware of people who are walking. If we all look out for one another, we can all get where we need to go safely.”

To promote the safety of people walking, The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will  conduct a traffic safety operation on September 27, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of pedestrians at risk. These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield and running stop for signs or signals.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department offers safe driving and walking tips, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking:

Drivers

• Do not speed, and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
• Never drive impaired.

Pedestrians

• Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers may anticipate foot traffic.
• Watch for approaching vehicles and practice due care crossing the street. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
• Make it easier for drivers to see you at night – wear light colors, reflective material and use a flashlight.
• Be careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night or on busier streets with higher speed limits.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Jeff Reese

File # TE222530154

Details:

On September 10, 2022, deputies from the Southwest Station began investigating allegations of a sexual assault of a minor that occurred in the 27000 block of Nicolas Road, Temecula. Investigators from the Lake Elsinore Station assumed the investigation and on September 22, 2022, the 16-year-old male suspect was arrested. The suspect was transported and booked into Southwest Juvenile Hall on charges of physical and sexual assault.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Investigator Stites at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station (951) 245-3300.

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.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Robert Thomas

File # L222860062

Details:

On October 13, 2022, at 1:24 PM, deputies from the Lake Elsinore Station responded to an armed robbery in progress at Central Avenue and Collier Avenue. Two male suspects took items from a victim at gunpoint and fled the scene in a vehicle. A description of the vehicle used in the robbery was broadcasted to deputies in the surrounding area. Deputies located the vehicle on Club Drive in Perris and the suspects were apprehended. The suspects were identified as Carlos Ventura, an 18-year-old resident of Perris and Alfredo Dominguez, a 23-year-old resident of Perris. A search warrant was written for the suspect’s vehicle and during the search, stolen items were recovered, as well as a 9mm rifle.

Ventura and Dominguez were transported to Cois Byrd Detention Center and booked on charges of robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a robbery, and conspiracy. 

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Deputy Noel of the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station at 951-245-3300.

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.

Carlos VenturaAlfredo Dominguez

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Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Wilfredo Collazo

File # F222900019

Details:

On Monday, October 17, 2022, at 11:30 AM, deputies from the Lake Elsinore Station responded to a school in the 18000 block of Grand Avenue, after staff members were alerted of an unknown male being seen on school grounds. School officials immediately contacted law enforcement and followed the suspect until deputies arrived.

The investigation revealed a 15-year-old male suspect and resident of Lake Elsinore, entered the school grounds and committed a lewd act upon a child while on campus. The suspect was not a student of the school and had no permission to be on campus. The suspect then fled the scene on foot, but was arrested by deputies a short distance away on Grand Avenue. During the course of the investigation, one student was identified as being a victim of a lewd act and investigators have identified other students who may also be victims. The school campus was placed on lock down temporarily by school administrators out of an abundance of caution for the students until the suspect was apprehended. Based on evidence obtained at the scene, investigators are certain the suspect acted alone and there are no other suspects wanted in connection for this case.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Stites of the Lake Elsinore Station at 951–245–3300 or Riverside Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776–1099.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Brad Foster

File # N/A

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The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office – Lake Elsinore Station Reminds Parents Are Key to Keeping Teens Safe Behind the Wheel

National Teen Driver Safety Week kicks off October 16

Lake Elsinore and Wildomar, Calif. – In recognition of National Teen Driver Safety Week (October 16-22), the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department – Lake Elsinore Station, encourages teens and their parents to talk about the importance of following the rules of the road and driving responsibly.

Car crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 2,378 teenagers died in car crashes in 2020 – a 14% increase from the prior year. Per mile driven, teen drivers are nearly four times as likely to be involved in a crash as drivers in all other age groups.

“Parents play a critical role in teen driver safety and in communicating important driving safety information,” Deputy Tony Grisso said,  “Teen drivers are still gaining experience behind the wheel and more likely to take risks and pick up bad habits. It is important for parents and caregivers to play an active role in talking to their teens about risky driving behaviors that can lead to deadly and tragic consequences.”

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department – Lake Elsinore Station offers the following tips to parents and guardians for starting conversations about safe driving with teens:

• Provisional Driver’s License: Learn about California’s provisional licensing law, which places restrictions on passengers and driving at night during the first year they have a license.
• Lead by example: Have driving sessions with your teen. Tell, but also show your teen how to drive safely.
• Set ground rules: Be firm on rules such as no phone use, being distracted by friends, always following the speed limit, and always buckling up.
• Sober driving: Emphasize the importance of never driving under the influence or riding with someone who has been drinking.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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