Riverside Sheriff Feed

Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Brad Foster

File # N/A

Details:

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

Lake Elsinore and Wildomar, Calif. – This National School Bus Safety Week (October 17–21), The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department – Lake Elsinore 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).

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,” Deputy Scott Hadeen said,  “Children and their caretakers are relying on drivers to follow the law and keep them safe.”

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 Robert Thomas

File # N/A

Details:

On October 22, 2022, deputies from the Special Enforcement Team in Lake Elsinore, along with agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), conducted a Minor Decoy Operation and Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation in the city of Lake Elsinore. The operation resulted in one citation of a store clerk for furnishing alcohol to a minor at a business in the 16000 block of Lakeshore Drive in Lake Elsinore and two citations for adults who furnished alcohol to a minor decoy at a business in the 31000 block of Riverside Drive in Lake Elsinore.

The Minor Decoy Operation involves minors who work under the direct supervision of deputies and agents. The minors attempted to purchase alcohol from six retail licensees in the city of Lake Elsinore.

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 $1,000 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 Jeff Reese 

File # F222910012

Details:

Mario Martinez

On October 18, 2022, deputies from the Lake Elsinore Station responded to the 21700 block of Temescal Canyon Road in Temescal Valley, reference a stabbing. Upon arrival, deputies located the victim profusely bleeding from numerous stab wounds to the back. The victim had been stabbed with a knife approximately three to five times after an argument with the suspect and was in need of immediate medical intervention. The victim was ultimately transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive.

Investigators from the Lake Elsinore Station responded and assumed the investigation. During the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Mario Martinez, a 28-year-old resident of Corona.

On October 25, 2022, deputies located and arrested Martinez without incident in the 21700 block of Temescal Canyon Road in Temescal Valley. Martinez was transported to the Cois Byrd Detention Center and booked on the charge of attempted murder.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Investigator Hardin 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 # F222850029

Details:

On October 12, 2022, deputies from the Lake Elsinore Station, responded to an armed robbery at a business in the 17600 block of Grand Avenue in Lake Elsinore.  The investigation revealed an unknown suspect walked into a convenience store, pointed a handgun at the clerk, and took currency from the register. Deputies from the Lake Elsinore Station’s Special Enforcement Team (SET) assumed the investigation, and after developing several promising leads, they were able to identify the suspect as George Cardenas, a 61-year-old resident of Yuma, Arizona.

With the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Unit and members of the Yuma Police Department, Cardenas was located at his residence in Yuma Arizona and arrested without incident.  Items related to the robbery were located and Cardenas was booked in a Yuma County jail.  Cardenas will be extradited to Riverside County to face charges of armed robbery.

This is an on-going investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Deputy Noel of the Lake Elsinore Station by calling 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.

If you are interested in a career with us, please apply at joinrsd.org or call 1-888-Join-RSD

Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Brad Foster

File # N/A

Details:

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department – Lake Elsinore Station Reminds Drivers to Beware and Be Alert for Trick-or-Treaters on Halloween Night

Lake Elsinore and Wildomar, Calif. – As Halloween creeps closer, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department – Lake Elsinore Station encourages everyone on the road to be extra careful as more children are out walking the neighborhood haunting for treats.

“We want our community to have a fun night out on Halloween, but to also stay safe and make responsible choices,” Deputy Joel Holland said, “If your night involves drinking, make sure you plan for a sober ride home. Even one drink can impair judgement.”

Because of the parties, trick-or-treating, and other festivities, Halloween night can be especially dangerous on our nation’s roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, adults between the ages of 21 and 34 had the highest percentage (68%) of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night in 2020. During that same night, 11 pedestrians were killed in drunk-driving crashes.

Whether you are celebrating the spirit of Halloween or Día de los Muertos, the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station offers the following tips for families to be as safe as possible and share the road safely:

Drivers

• Slow down and watch out for more foot traffic in residential neighborhoods.
• Take extra time looking for trick-or-treaters at intersections and entering/exiting driveways.
• Never drive distracted or impaired.
• If you are heading to a local bar, restaurant or house party and plan to drink, bring the designated sober driver with you, use a ride-hailing service, or stay the night.

Parents and trick-or-treaters

• Make sure costumes fit to prevent trips and falls.
• Decorate costumes and bags/buckets with reflective tape.
• Have kids use flashlights or glow sticks to make it easier for drivers to see them.
• Walk on sidewalks, when available. Avoid darting into the street or crossing between parked cars.
• Stick to familiar, well-lit routes.
• Look both ways before crossing the street. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

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Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Jeff Reese

File # F223070021

Details:

Alfredo Hernandez

On November 3, 2022, at 11:00 AM, deputies from the Lake Elsinore Station responded to a residence in the 21000 block of Camino Arriba in the area La Cresta, reference a residential burglary. The investigation revealed the homeowner returned to their vacant residence, which they were in the process of moving into, and discovered an unknown male subject inside. Upon arrival, deputies located and detained the male subject, identified as Alfredo Hernandez, a 43-year-old resident of Wildomar. During a search of the property, four firearms and ammunition were located that belonged to Hernandez.

At 7:00 PM, members of the Lake Elsinore Station’s Special Enforcement Team served a search warrant at a residence located in the 21000 block of Wild Stallion Lane in Wildomar. Four additional firearms were located, as well as ammunition. Hernandez was arrested and booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center on charges of burglary, vandalism, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, convicted felon in possession of ammunition, committing a felony while on bail, and possession of a high capacity magazine.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Deputy Crivello 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.

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

If you are interested in a career with us, please apply at joinrsd.org or call 1-888-Join-RSD

Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Ben Ramirez

File # Y222510044

Update:

On September 16, 2022, around 7:00 p.m., a third suspect, identified as Miriam Silva, a 38-year-old resident of Coachella, turned herself in to the Thermal Sheriff’s Station. Silva was arrested for murder and child endangerment and booked at the John Benoit Detention Center. Silva is the aunt of the victim in this case.

The investigation is currently on-going and no further information will be released at this time. If anyone has information regarding this investigation, they are encouraged to call Investigator Lopez of the Thermal Station at 760–863–8990 or Investigator Alfaro of the Central Homicide Unit at 760-393-3528.

Update:

On September 13, 2022, around 7:00 p.m., the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) and Central Homicide Unit (CHU) served a search warrant in the 51500 block of Date St., Coachella. During the service of the warrant, the mother of the five-year-old victim in this case was arrested. The mother was identified as Vanessa Rangel, a 37-year-old resident of Coachella. A second suspect, identified as Hilaria Rangel, a 55-year-old resident of Coachella, was also arrested at a separate location in Coachella. Hilaria Rangel is the maternal grandmother of the victim. Both suspects were arrested for child abuse resulting in great bodily injury and death and booked at the John Benoit Detention Center.

The investigation is currently on-going and no further information will be released at this time. If anyone has information regarding this investigation, they are encouraged to call Investigator Lopez at the Thermal Station at 760-863-8990 or Investigator Alfaro at the Central Homicide Unit at 760-393-3528.

Details:

On September 8, 2022, at about 7:53 p.m., deputies assigned to the Thermal Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to a juvenile medical aid at a residence in the 50400 block of S. Kenmore St., Coachella. Upon arrival, family members directed deputies to a child not breathing. Deputies and Cal Fire medics performed life-saving measures, but the child died at the scene. The residence was secured, and the Thermal Station Investigations Bureau began the investigation. Due to the circumstances of the death, the Central Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation.

The identity of the deceased child will not be released. The investigation is currently on-going and no further information will be released at this time. If anyone has information regarding this investigation, they are encouraged to call Investigator Lopez at the Thermal Station at 760-863-8990 or Investigator Alfaro with the Central Homicide Unit at 760-393-3528.

Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff's Homicide Tipline online form.

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

Vanessa RangelHilaria RangelMiriam Silva

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Reporting Deputy: Sergeant David Aldrich

File # Y222600018

Details:

Feliciano Navarette III

On September 17, 2022, at 8:08 AM, Thermal Station patrol deputies responded to the 84100 block of Tera Vista in the city of Coachella, reference a shooting that had just occurred. The investigation revealed a 30-year-old Coachella resident, and his 8-year-old son were in the area, when a 20-year-old Hispanic male opened fire on them, striking a vehicle several times. The suspect fled the area in a white BMW. No one was struck by gun fire, and no injuries were sustained by either victim. The investigation was assumed by the Thermal Station Investigations Bureau.

During the investigation, the suspect was positively identified as Feliciano Navarette III, a 20-year-old resident of Coachella. At 5:05 PM, Navarette III, was located in the 200 block of East Shoreline Dr., in the city of Long Beach and taken into custody without incident. The Thermal Station Investigations Bureau served a search warrant on the vehicle Navarette III was driving, and the firearm that was suspected of being used in the shooting was recovered. Navarette III was booked at the John Benoit Detention Center, in the city of Indio, for attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and criminal threats.

The Thermal Station Investigations Bureau is asking anyone with additional information to contact Investigator Lopez at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station by calling (760) 863-8990. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Valley Crimestoppers at (760) 341–7867, or submit a tip at, valleycrimestoppers.org.

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

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Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Mark Chlarson

File # LA222610028

Details:

Daniel Jesus Barrera

On Sunday, September 18, 2022, at 4:49 PM Thermal Station deputies responded to a report of a major injury collision at the intersection of Avenue 48 and Dune Palms Drive in the city of La Quinta. When patrol deputies arrived, they located two vehicles, a white 2009 Nissan Rogue, and a gray 2021 Dodge Durango, with major collision damage.

The four occupants of the Nissan Rogue had major injuries and were transported to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment. The driver of the Dodge Durango, Daniel Jesus Barrera, a 21-year-old resident of Indio, refused medical treatment.

Members of the La Quinta Traffic Team arrived and assumed the investigation. The preliminary investigation found both vehicles were traveling westbound on Avenue 48 near Dune Palms Dr. Barrera was traveling at a high rate of speed and collided with the rear end of the Nissan causing the Nissan to lose control and roll over. Barrera was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol when the collision occurred and was arrested for driving under the influence causing injury. He was booked into John Benoit Detention Center.

This collision is still under investigation and anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy J. Shields of the Thermal Station at 760–863–8990 or call anonymously at (760) 341-STOP (7867) and reference incident #LA222610028.

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

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