Wauls was arrested by Murrieta Police after being stopped while in a stolen vehicle.
MURRIETA – A concerned citizen’s call regarding a suspicious vehicle on March 6, led to the arrest of two subjects who were allegedly in possession of a stolen car. The two men, who were both on probation, were charged with a number of felonies.
The Murrieta Police emergency communications center received a 911 call at about 2 a.m., about a suspicious vehicle in the area of Tarragona Drive and Almansa Court, in Murrieta.
Murrieta Police officers responded to the area and spotted the vehicle leaving the neighborhood. Officers made a traffic enforcement stop near the intersection of Clinton Kieth and California Oaks Roads and contacted two male occupants from inside the vehicle.
Officers conducted a records check on both subjects as well as the vehicle. The records check revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen from Lake Elsinore on Feb. 10.
Morales was arrested by Murrieta Police after being stopped while in a stolen vehicle.
The check also revealed that the driver, identified as Dennis Morales, 26, of Lake Elsinore, was on Post Community Release Supervision (PRCS) for narcotics related charges and was a documented gang member.
The passenger, identified as Byron Leith Wauls II, 19, of Lake Elsinore, was also found to be on formal probation for vandalism.
Based on terms of both of the subject’s probations, officers conducted a search of the vehicle, Murrieta Police Lieutenant Tony Conrad said about the incident and arrest. During their search, “officers found shaved keys, which are frequently used to commit auto theft, narcotics paraphernalia, a digital scale, black gloves, and a neoprene mask were located inside the vehicle,” according to Conrad.
“It should be noted that Dennis Morales is an AB109 probationer,” Conrad explained. “AB109, also known as Post Release Community Supervision, was signed into law in November 2011. It allows thousands of less serious offenders to remain out of custody and on probation, while they would have previously been eligible for prison. Mr. Morales is out of custody and driving a stolen vehicle through Murrieta in part because of AB109.”
Following their investigation, officers arrested both men and transported them to the Southwest Detention Center.
Morales was booked for 6 felonies and three misdemeanors, including vehicle theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, a gang enhancement, possession of burglary tools, grand theft auto, auto theft with priors, a prior prison enhancement charge and possession of a vehicle known to be stolen. Morales was being held in lieu of $45,000 and is scheduled to be arraigned on Mar. 9 at the Southwest Justice Center.
Wauls was booked for two felonies and a misdemeanor, including possessing a vehicle known to be stolen, possession of burglary tools, violation of probation and a gang enhancement.
Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to call Murrieta Police at (951) 461-6309. Callers can refer to incident file number 1603M-1203 and can remain anonymous.
Misael Mendoza was arrested after shooting a neighbor following a months-long dispute, sheriff’s officials have said.
TEMECULA – An ongoing feud between two men escalated in a residential Temecula neighborhood on Thursday, March 10, when one of the men involved in the dispute shot the other man. An investigation by deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Temecula Police Station revealed the gun used in the shooting had been reported stolen, Riverside Sheriff’s Sergeant John Wade wrote in a press release today. Following an investigation into the incident, deputies arrested a subject who had allegedly shot the other man.
Deputies first responded to the 32400 block of Akes Pass at about 7:20 p.m., after at least one 911 caller reported that a shooting occurred at a residence on the street.
When deputies arrived they found an adult male suffering what Wade described as “a non-life threatening gunshot wound.” The victim, who has not been identified, was treated at the scene by paramedics before they transported him to a local hospital for further treatment. “The victim is expected to survive,” according to Wade.
Deputies transported the alleged shooter, identified as Misael Mendoza, 22, of Temecula, to the Temecula Police Station for further interviews.
The deputies conducted an investigation that revealed Mendoza and the victim both reside in the same Temecula neighborhood. “Over the past few months the two men have been engaged in an ongoing disagreement,” Wade said about the month’s-long dispute.
On the day of the shooting, Mendoza invited the victim to his residence, “in order to clear up the disagreement,” Wade explained. While at the residence, the two men got into an argument that quickly escalated. “During the argument, Mendoza retrieved a firearm and shot the victim,” Wade said.
Investigating deputies conducted a records check on the firearm used in the shooting that revealed the weapon had been reported stolen during a 2012 residential burglary.
Based on their investigation, deputies arrested Mendoza.
A jail records search showed Mendoza was arrested on Mar. 11, at 1:45 a.m. and booked into the Southwest Detention Center on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a stolen firearm. He was released later the same day.
Mendoza is scheduled for arraignment at the Southwest Justice Center on May 6, at 7:30 a.m.
This is an on-going investigation and anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Fisher at the Temecula Police Department at (951) 696-3000. Callers can refer to incident file number TE160700252. Information can also be reported anonymously at www.riversidesheriff.org/crimetips or www.wetip.com.
Andrew Davis was arrested following a family disturbance and violent confrontation with Murrieta Police officers.
MURRIETA – An early-morning 911 call regarding a family disturbance on Saint Julian Circle led to the arrest of a subject who is a PRCS probationer and documented gang member on Monday, March 21, according to Murrieta Police Lieutenant Tony Conrad. The subject involved in the call allegedly refused to comply with officers, who were forced to use a Taser device to temporarily incapacitate the out-of-control man, so they could take him into custody, Conrad said.
The Murrieta Police emergency communications center received a 911 call at about 3:30 a.m., regarding the disturbance. The caller told dispatchers her 26-year-old son was under the influence of drugs and was acting belligerent and violent. The caller identified her son as Andrew Sterling Davis.
Dispatchers conducted a records check on Davis that revealed he is on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) for assault. Dispatchers also learned Davis is a narcotics registrant and is a documented gang member.
Upon their arrival, officers located Davis, who immediately became combative and confrontational with officers.
“His refusal to comply and resistance towards the officers during the arrest resulted in the deployment of an electronic control device, known as a Taser,” Conrad said. After the officers deployed the Taser, Davis was taken into custody without further incident.
After his arrest, officers conducted a search of Davis’ room, in accordance with his PRCS probation terms. During their search, officers reportedly found two knives, narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia.
“It should be noted that Andrew Davis is an AB109 probationer. AB109, also known as Post Release Community Supervision, was signed into law in November 2011,” Conrad said about the incident and arrest. “It allows thousands of less serious offenders to remain out of custody and on probation, while they would have previously been eligible for prison.”
Based on their investigation and recovered evidence, officers arrested Davis. Officers transported Davis to the Southwest Detention Center, where he was booked .
A press release from Murrieta PD stated Davis was booked for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, being under the influence of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and violation of his Post Release Community Supervision.
A jail records search showed Davis was being held without bail and was scheduled for a revocation hearing, however the search also showed he was released from custody the day following his arrest, on Tuesday, March 22.
Anyone with further information about this incident and arrest or Davis’ alleged criminal activities is encouraged to contact Murrieta Police at (951) 304-COPS (2677). Callers can refer to incident file number 1603M-4625 and can remain anonymous.
MURRIETA – Two people were arrested for cultivation and sales of marijuana, theft of utilities and other charges on April 3, after Murrieta Police officers conducted a traffic stop that led to the service of a search warrant in Murrieta.
During the service of the warrant, officers located and seized “over 500 marijuana plants in various stages of growth,” Murrieta Police Special Enforcement Team Sergeant Mark Reid wrote in a press release.
Murrieta Police Officers stopped the vehicle while it was travelling northbound on Interstate 15 and Clinton Keith Road at about 3 p.m. Officers detained two occupants from the vehicle and conducted a narcotics investigation.
The occupants were identified as My Hoang Le, 32, and Sam Elliot Anderson, 33. Both are residents of Garden Grove, CA.
During their investigation the vehicle was determined to be associated with an ongoing marijuana cultivation investigation that Murrieta Police were already conducting.
Soon after the traffic stop, members of the department’s Special Enforcement Team arrived and assumed the investigation. Members from the department’s Special Enforcement Team later served a search warrant in the 42000 block of East View Way, in Murrieta.
In addition to hundreds of marijuana plants, detectives also discovered the pair had improvised wiring that bypassed the city’s electrical meter. “This modification affords the grower the opportunity to use the tremendous amount of electrical power required to support a sophisticated internal growing process without paying the true cost of the used electricity,” Reid explained.
Officers arrested Le and Anderson and they were later booked into the Southwest Detention Center.
A jail records search revealed Le and Anderson were both booked for cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sales, maintaining a residence with intention to sell and theft of utilities; all felonies.
Both alleged suspects were released the following day, after posting $10,000 bail. They are scheduled to be arraigned at the Southwest Justice Center on May 27, at 7:30 a.m.
Anyone with information about this incident and arrest is encouraged to contact Sergeant Reid at (951) 304-COPS (2677). Callers can refer to incident file number 1604M-0517 and can remain anonymous.
A warrant service by the Murrieta Special Enforcement Team detectives found the drugs psilocybin and cocaine in the possession of juveniles this week.
“On April 7, 2016 at approximately 12 p.m., Murrieta Special Enforcement Team detectives served a search warrant on the 34000 block of Otay Way in the City of Lake Elsinore related to an ongoing narcotics sales investigation,” Murrieta Police Sergeant Mark Reid said in his report.
During the warrant service, detectives contacted the juvenile suspect and recovered psilocybin and cocaine from the location in question.
“The juvenile was arrested and booked for psilocybin sales and possession of cocaine,” Sgt. Reid said.
If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact the Murrieta Police Department Special Enforcement Team at 951-461-6329. You can also provide information about narcotic related activity in your neighborhood or report crime anonymously through “We Tip” at 1-800-78-CRIME.
The Murrieta Special Enforcement team has been out in force curbing the narcotic sales in the region, according to officials.
A recent investigation has led to an arrest for conspiracy to sell narcotics.
“On April 7, 2016 at 3:40 pm, Murrieta Special Enforcement Team detectives arrested 19-year-old Caleb Silvera-Kuhnel for conspiracy to narcotic sales,” MPD Sergeant Mark Reid said. “Special Enforcement Team detectives were conducting an ongoing narcotics investigation when Kuhnel conspired in the arrangement of psilocybin sales.”
Kuhnel was located and arrested in the area of the 40400 block of California Oaks Road.
If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact the Murrieta Police Department Special Enforcement Team at 951-461-6329.
You can also provide information about narcotic related activity in your neighborhood or report crime anonymously through “We Tip” at 1-800-78-CRIME.
MURRIETA – Detectives from Murrieta Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team arrested a man for sales of narcotics on April 6, according to Murrieta Police Sergeant Mark Reid.
After receiving information about a subject who was believed to be selling illegal drugs and prescription pills, SET detectives arranged to meet with the alleged suspect in order to purchase drugs and prescription pills, at a CVS drug store in the area of the 23700 block of Washington Avenue in the City of Murrieta.
At about 6 pm, a subject who was identified as Noah Michael Rael, 18, allegedly transported the agreed upon narcotics to the area of Washington Avenue, where he was detained by detectives for further investigation.
Detectives conducted a search of Rael and his vehicle and learned had brought a child with him to the attempted narcotics sale. Detectives also discovered Rael was in possession of cocaine, marijuana, LSD and prescription Xanax pills.
Detectives arrested Rael and he was later booked at the Southwest Detention Center on numerous narcotic sales related charges, as well as suspicion of child endangerment.
A jail and Superior Court records search showed Rael was booked for nine felonies. At his first court appearance on April 8, Rael accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to two felonies related to transportation of a controlled substance for sales. All his other charges were dismissed or not filed by the District Attorney’s office. He was sentenced to 36 months Formal Probation and released from jail the same day.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Murrieta Police Department Special Enforcement Team at (951) 461-6329. Callers can refer to incident file number 1604M-1224 and can remain anonymous. Callers can also provide information about narcotic related activity in their neighborhood or report crime anonymously through “We Tip” at 1-800-78-CRIME.
The Murrieta Police Department released information on two arrests made over the weekend.
“On April 24, at approximately 8:15 p.m., a Murrieta Police Officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of the I-15 and California Oaks Road,” the report stated. “A routine records check was conducted on the two occupants of the vehicle, identified as Andrew Romero and Ryan Mayfield.
The check revealed that Romero was a “Parolee at Large” and was wanted for a felony parole violation. Mayfield, upon further investigation, was discovered to be on probation for narcotics related charges as well as being out on bail, also for narcotics related charges.
“The officers conducted a probation check on the vehicle as well as at Mayfield’s residence, according to the terms of his probation,” MPD said. “The search yielded a significant amount of narcotics as well as narcotics paraphernalia.”
Both subjects were placed under arrest and booked into the Southwest Detention Center.
Arrestees:
Andrew Romero (23 years)
Resident of Menifee
Charges: 3056 PC – Violation of Parole
Booking Number: 201616170
Ryan Mayfield (33 years)
Resident of Murrieta
Charges: 11370.2(c) HS – Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales With a Prior Narcotics Sales Conviction; 11379(a) HS – Transportation of a Controlled Substance; 11378 HS – Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales; 12022.1 PC – Commit a Felony While Out On Felony Bail; 21310 PC – Possession of a Concealed Dirk or Dagger; 11377(a) HS – Possession of a Controlled Substance; 11350(a) HS – Possession of a Controlled Substance; 11364(a) HS – Possession of Controlled Substance Paraphernalia; 1203.2(a) PC – Violation of Probation
A stabbing was reported early May 11, according to the Wildomar Police Department.
Officers responded to a 911 call at 12:30 a.m. on the 34000 block of Orange Street regarding a reported stabbing.
“Officers learned a male subject had been stabbed multiple times in his residence,” the report stated. “The victim was transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery for his wounds.”
Officers learned the suspect was known to the victim. Detectives from the Wildomar Police Department assumed the investigation. The suspect was identified as John Luis Vrab, a 55-year-old male from Rainbow.
Vrab was located at a residence in Fountain Valley, where he was subsequently arrested. The victim is in stable condition and expected to survive his injuries.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Karen Ferguson of the Lake Elsinore Station at 951-245-3300.
Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s Homicide Tipline online form.
Zachary Heymer was arrested for violation of parole after officers responded to a suspicious vehicle call.
MURRIETA – Murrieta Police officers arrested two people May 26, after receiving a report of a suspicious vehicle in the area of La Alba Drive and Big Dipper Way, according to a Murrieta Police official.
The pair were identified as Zachary Sonny Heymer, 33, and Lisa Marie Geiger, 36. Both are residents of Murrieta and both were booked into jail following their arrests.
Murrieta Police Officers responded to the residential neighborhood at 10:50 p.m., after a citizen called 911 to report the suspicious behavior of the two occupants of the vehicle, Murrieta Police Lieutenant Tony Conrad wrote in a press release about the incident and arrest.
When officers arrived, they contacted Heymer and Geiger inside their vehicle. Both were detained for further investigation.
Officers conducted a records check and learned Heymer was on parole for burglary and was on mandatory supervision probation for burglary. The check also revealed that Geiger was on probation for possession of a stolen vehicle and she had a felony warrant for possession of a stolen vehicle.
“Both subjects had extensive criminal histories for narcotics and theft-related charges,” Conrad explained.
Based on the couple’s parole and probation terms, officers conducted a search of their vehicle and located narcotics-related paraphernalia.
Lisa Geiger was arrested for a felony warrant during an investigation into reported suspicious activity.
Officers arrested Heymer for violation of the terms of his parole and arrested Geiger for her outstanding felony arrest warrant. Officers booked both into the Southwest Detention Center.
A jail records search revealed Heymer was booked for violation of parole. He is being held without bail and is scheduled to be in court on June 3 at an unspecified court.
Geiger was booked for her warrant. She is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned at the Southwest Just Center June 1.
Anyone with information about this arrest is encouraged to contact Murrieta Police officials at (951) 304-COPS (2677). Callers can refer to incident file number 1605M-6286 and can remain anonymous.
Jordan Woods-Morris was arrested after a 5-month-long burglary investigation.
TEMESCAL VALLEY – A man was arrested May 26, after a five-month investigation into three daytime residential burglaries that December 2015, Riverside Sheriff’s Sergeant Steve Brosche said in a press release. The months-long investigation began after three residences in the Temescal Valley area were burglarized during the late afternoon, Dec. 18. The area where the burglaries occurred is located near Trilogy Parkway.
While deputies were investigating the initially reported incidents, Riverside Sheriff’s emergency communications dispatchers received several 911 call from witnesses who reported seeing three men remove a safe from a vehicle and then proceed to light the safe on fire.
Deputies responded to the location and found the charred safe. During their investigation deputies determined the safe had been stolen from one of the burglarized homes.
Investigators assigned to the cases developed leads and gathered evidence that led them to believe the three burglaries were committed by the same suspects.
On May 26, investigators arrested Jordan James Woods-Morris, 23, of San Jacinto for his alleged connection to the three residential burglaries after they located evidence linking Morris to the Temescal Canyon burglaries as well as other burglaries in Los Angeles and Glendora.
The remaining two suspects are still outstanding, according to Brosche.
A jail records search revealed Woods-Morris was booked into the Southwest Detention Center on three counts of suspicion of first-degree burglary. He was released the next day after posting $105,000 bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned at the Riverside Hall of Justice July 22.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective Karen Ferguson at the Lake Elsinore Station at (951) 245-3300. Callers can refer to incident file numbers F153520026, F153520028 or F153520029 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.
Murrieta police Janice Riepl was arrested after a traffic stop in Temecula.
MURRIETA – A Murrieta Police officer arrested three probationers after conducting a traffic enforcement stop on Ynez Road near County Center Drive at about midnight, June 8. The officer made the stop in the City of Temecula, just south of the Murrieta city limits, according to Murrieta Police Lieutenant Tony Conrad. All three occupants of the vehicle were later determined to be on probation for various charges and all had extensive criminal histories.
During the traffic stop, the officer identified the three occupants of the vehicle as Janice May Riepl, 37, of Temecula; Mike Jason Reider, a 42-year-old transient; and Glen Shawn Ramirez, 25, of Murrieta.
The officer determined Reider was on formal probation for robbery and had a lengthy criminal history. Ramirez was found to be on AB 109 Post Release Community Supervision for burglary and also had a lengthy criminal history. Riepl was found to be on formal probation for burglary.
In a press release, Conrad explained how Assembly Bill 109 – the Public Safety Realignment Act of 2011 – and voter-approved Proposition 47 have created serious burdens for law enforcement and the judicial system, writing, “AB 109 shifted responsibility for managing ‘non-serious, non-violent’ felons from the state to counties, ratcheting up the strain on local jail space.”
Conrad continued, “AB 109 is responsible for the early release of a large number of offenders into California communities. Prop 47, passed in November 2014, has added to the burden by reducing numerous drug and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors.”
Murrieta Police arrested Mike Reider was arrested after a traffic stop in Temecula.
Based on the terms of each of the subjects’ probation terms, officers conducted a search of the vehicle and located heroin and concentrated cannabis inside the vehicle, as well as narcotics paraphernalia and pepper spray, a violation of the terms of all three subjects’ probation terms.
Based on what the officer found inside the vehicle, all three subjects were arrested and booked into the Southwest Detention Center.
A jail records search revealed Riepl was booked on suspicion of unlawful possession of pepper spray and violation of probation. She was later transferred to the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning due to overcrowding at the Southwest Detention Center.
Reider was booked on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia; and violation of probation.
Both Riepl and Reider were being held in lieu of $50,000 bail and both are scheduled for arraignment June 10 at the Southwest detention Center in Murrieta.
Ramirez was booked for violation of PRCS probation and was being held without bail.
Conrad credited alert and pro-active citizens with many recent City of Murrieta arrests of probationers. “Many of these arrests are generated by alert citizens that call in suspicious activity. We encourage our residents to stay vigilant in reporting crimes.”
Glen Ramirez was also arrested during the traffic stop.
“The Murrieta Police Department recognizes the concerns associated with these mandates and we continue to proactively arrest the offenders that victimize our residents,” Conrad said.
A Murrieta Police Officer was on patrol in the area of Los Alamos Road and Madison Avenue July 27 at 8 a.m. when the LoJack recovery system in his patrol car alerted him to a LoJack activation in the area. The LoJack notification returned to a Yamaha motorcycle that had been stolen from the city of Temecula earlier the same morning.
Officers responded to the area to assist in locating the stolen motorcycle. The search led to a garage inside a condominium complex on Madison Avenue.
Several officers noticed a motorcycle matching the description of the one taken from Temecula inside an open garage. As they approached, an unknown subject closed the garage door. The officers attempted to contact the residents for several minutes, but the residents refused to answer the door.
Approximately one hour later, three subjects were contacted exiting the residence. The subjects were identified as Edward Greer of Murrieta, Robert Cramer of Wildomar and Cristin Bush of Murrieta. All three were detained during the investigation. A records check revealed that Greer was the current resident of the location in which the stolen motorcycle was located. The check also revealed that Cramer was on parole for robbery and had an extensive criminal history dating back 30 years. Bush was found to have a warrant for her arrest.
As the investigation continued, it was discovered that a fourth subject was hiding in the attic of the home. That subject, identified as Stephan Scranton of Lake Elsinore, was also detained. The records check of Scranton revealed an extensive criminal history for narcotics, possession of stolen property, possession of a stolen vehicle, robbery and burglary.
After a thorough investigation, all four subjects were placed under arrest and booked into the Southwest Detention Center for the following charges: Greer for narcotics, operating a chop shop and possession a stolen vehicle; Scranton for possession of a stolen vehicle; Cramer for parole violation; and Bush was cited and released for her outstanding warrant.
MENIFEE – Three people have been arrested for their involvement in the kidnapping of a Menifee woman and two additional suspects remain at large, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said today, Aug. 20.
The investigation, which was a multi-agency effort led by the Menifee Police Department Special Enforcement Team, began Aug. 9 when the victim was reportedly taken from her residence in the 27000 block of Holland Road in Menifee.
Two suspects armed with handguns, identified as 32-year-old Jesse Aaron and 31-year-old Nathan Lopez of Fallbrook, forced the victim to obtain money to repay a debt to them and to secure her release, according to Sgt. Sam Morovich of the RCSD.
As the investigation unfolded, a Murrieta Police Department patrolman conducted a routine traffic stop near the intersection of Antelope Road and Keller Road in Murrieta and detained Aaron and the victim in a car, Morovich said.
The victim was freed and Aaron was released to the Menifee Police Department Special Enforcement Team. He was later booked at the Southwest Detention Center on suspicion of kidnapping and false imprisonment, Morovich said.
Aaron is being held on a $145,000 bond. His next court appearance is Tuesday at the Murrieta Southwest Justice Center, according to online Riverside County inmate records. Lopez remains at large.
Two additional arrests were made in the case Thursday in Fallbrook with the assistance of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Fallbrook station and a Drug Enforcement Agency Narcotics Task Force, according to Morovich.
Authorities served a search warrant at a home in the 1200 block of Juliette Place in which they recovered an illegal firearm and ammunition, 15 ounces of methamphetamine, and items associated with drug sales, Morovich said.
During the warrant search, 31-year-old Jedediah Shaw of Fallbrook fled the location on foot but was apprehended in a nearby backyard by San Diego sheriff’s deputies.
Shaw and 27-year-old Kelly Crossmen were arrested as a result of the search warrant and for their alleged connection to the kidnapping but authorities didn’t immediately disclose how the pair was involved.
Shaw and Crossmen also were booked at the Southwest Detention Center on suspicion of kidnapping and drug sales, Morovich said.
Shaw is being held on a $250,000 bond, according to online Riverside County inmate records. Records for Crossmen were not available.
One more woman associated with the kidnapping and remains at large, according to Morovich. She’s been identified as 31-year-old Jacqueline Smith-Perez of Menifee.
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has issued arrest warrants for Lopez and Smith-Perez, Morovich said.
If Lopez or Smith-Perez are sighted, people are asked to immediately call 911, but are advised to not make an attempt to apprehend either person.
Any other information involving this case can be forwarded to the Menifee Police Department at (951) 210-1000, or by email at PerrisStation@RiversideSheriff.org.
HEMET – A convicted felon was arrested Monday, Aug. 22, in Hemet for allegedly carrying a loaded pistol that was later confirmed stolen.
Boh Brandon Underwood, 31, of Hemet was booked into the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a felon in possession of ammunition, receiving stolen property and probation violations. He’s being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
According to Hemet police Lt. Jeff Davis, Underwood was spotted by a patrol officer about 3:40 a.m., walking in the area of San Jacinto Street and Whittier Avenue.
The patrolman immediately recognized Underwood from prior contacts and stopped him to conduct a probation compliance check, Davis said.
He alleged that a loaded 9mm handgun was found tucked inside the probationer’s pants. The gun had been reported stolen out of San Bernardino County nine days earlier, according to Davis.
According to court records, Underwood pleaded guilty in June to auto theft with a sentence-enhancing allegation of committing a crime while on bail.
He was sentenced to 32 months of mandatory supervision – a form of probation imposed in lieu of time behind bars.
MURRIETA – Two probationers and another suspect were arrested at separate locations in Lake Elsinore and Murrieta Thursday, Sept.1, for allegedly procuring opiates and other drugs by using fake prescriptions, then selling the pills on
the streets.
Brian William Boswell, 45, and his wife, Malia Boswell, 43, both of Murrieta and Jacob Allen Turpin, 25, of Lake Elsinore were taken into custody following a weekslong investigation, according to Riverside County sheriff’s
Sgt. James Woodland.
The trio came to the attention of the Southwest Corridor Narcotics Task Force after investigators received tips alleging that one or all were involved in falsifying prescriptions and presenting them to pharmacists throughout
southwest Riverside County to obtain painkillers and other drugs, Woodland said.
He said the suspects allegedly turned around and hustled the narcotics in criminal circles.
After acquiring sufficient evidence, detectives obtained warrants to search the suspects’ residences, where “fraudulently obtained prescription narcotics were seized,” Woodland alleged.
Brian Boswell and Turpin were each arrested on suspicion of burglary and probation violations and were both being held in lieu of $35,000 bail at the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta.
Malia Boswell was arrested on suspicion of burglary, identity theft and prescription fraud. She was also booked into the Southwest jail, though bail information was not immediately available.
Alejandro Rojo, shown before and after his arrest. Family photos
MURRIETA – A violent confrontation and arrest between a 22-year-old man and first one, then several, Murrieta Police officers has become the focus of scrutiny by many who have seen three different videos that show three different parts of the incident. Department officials have promised a full and thorough investigation into the arrest.
The incident happened Tuesday, Sept. 6 at a CVS Pharmacy in the 25000 block of Hancock Avenue in Murrieta. During the encounter, police officials allege the suspect tried to disarm the officer and take his weapon from him at least two different times.
The three videos include two surveillance footage tapes from CVS showing two different views of the initial two confrontations inside the store. The third video, filmed by a witness, shows the encounter after it spilled out of the CVS and into the parking lot.
How the incident began and progressed – A tale of three videos
An officer stands behind Rojo waiting to speak with him. CVS Surveillance Video screen shot
The incident began at about 8:45 p.m. when an unidentified, uniformed Murrieta Police officer was patrolling in the area of the CVS.
“The officer was summoned by a bystander regarding a subject inside the store creating a disturbance and possibly under the influence of drugs,” according to Murrieta Police Lt. Tony Conrad.
In the first CVS video – which can be viewed here – Rojo can be seen near a store counter. The officer approaches Rojo from behind and waits for the man to turn around so he can speak with him. The video then shows Rojo turn around and exchange a few words with the officer. At first, the exchange seems normal until Rojo suddenly begins walking quickly away from the officer. The officer can be seen attempting to stop Rojo at which time the confrontation began.
Rojo allegedly tried to grab the officers weapon two different times during the incident. CVS Surveillance Video screen shot
When the officer attempted to stop him, Rojo spun toward him and began backing away quickly. As the officer attempted to gain control of him, Rojo quickly escalated from active resistance to violently resisting arrest.
As the struggle continued, video surveillance from inside the store showed the two grappling back and forth, smashing into a number of displays.
A CVS employee can be seen idly watching the incident unfold from behind the counter, taking no action or making any effort to assist the officer or call for help.
Towards the end of the first video, Rojo can be seen breaking free from the officer and running towards the entrance/exit doors. That is when the second surveillance video picks up.
In a zoomed in portion of the video, Rojo can be seen clearly grabbing at a weapon on the officer’s duty belt.
In the second video – which can be viewed here – the officer catches Rojo near the pharmacy’s doors. As the two continue to struggle, crashing into multiple displays, Rojo repeatedly grabbed onto the officer’s holstered firearm and other equipment on his duty belt. The officer was able to maintain control of his firearm and managed to use his radio to request emergency assistance to his location.
As the struggle continued just inside the store, Rojo was eventually able to break free from the officer, at which time he fled from the store.
The officer chased the suspect through the doors and into the parking lot where a third struggle ensued between the two. That is when a third video begins. That video was posted to Facebook by Rosie Vincent, the witness who filmed the incident from her vehicle in the parking lot. Vincent later removed the video but not until after another party made a copy of it and posted it to YouTube.
Rojo fought with the officer first inside and then outside the pharmacy. CVS Surveillance Video screen shot
The third video is just over three minutes long and picked up after the officer had already tackled the suspect to the ground and was trying to subdue him in the parking lot. In the beginning of the video, titled “California cops beat man in Murrieta,” a second officer can be seen arriving at the location to assist the first officer gain compliance and take the violently resisting man into custody.
On the grainy video, the second officer appears to kick Rojo at least three times, including twice to the head or face and once on or between his inner thighs. The first officer continues to grapple with and attempt to gain control of the alleged suspect, who was still refusing to obey officer’s orders.
Within moments another officer arrives at the scene to assist. He and the second officer then appear to use their batons to strike Rojo numerous times in the legs, arms and shoulders in their attempt to take the violently resisting man into custody. The third officer to arrive at the scene can also be seen deploying his Taser to Rojo’s back. On the video, the Taser deployment appears to have little if any affect on Rojo.
After breaking free from the officer a second time, Rojo fled out of the pharmacy. CVS Surveillance Video screen shot
At that point, the second and third officer strike the still resisting man several more times with their batons. It was unknown if the officers deployed their Tasers more than once during the arrest.
Conrad described that part of the arrest in a press release, writing, “Additional assisting officers arrived and attempted ‘multiple force techniques’ in an attempt to stop the suspect from attempting to disarm the officer.”
When at least a half dozen more officers arrive, they were able to overcome and subdue the suspect and arrest him.
During the violent struggle, the first officer on scene sustained a broken hand. Rojo reportedly sustained multiple bruises, abrasions and cuts.
Paramedics responded to the scene where they evaluated both the officer and suspect before they transported both men to a local hospital for treatment for their injuries.
The officer was treated for his broken hand and released. The suspect was treated, medically cleared and then booked into jail for four felonies and one misdemeanor.
After Rojo and the injured officer were transported to a local hospital for treatment, other officers conducted an investigation into how the incident began.
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The officers’ investigation revealed Rojo had been inside the store tearing open packages of medical supplies and possibly ingesting them prior to the officers arrival. Investigators are still trying to determine exactly what the suspect ingested. They drew blood the evening of the arrest to obtain a toxicology report indicating anything Rojo might have been under the influence of when the incident happened.
After he was medically cleared, Rojo was booked into the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta on suspicion of attempting to disarm a police officer, resisting a police officer causing injury, obstructing a police officer causing injury, battery on a police officer with injury, retail property trespassing, being under the influence of a controlled substance-pending laboratory results.
A jail records search revealed Rojo was released the following day after posting $20,000 bail. He is scheduled to be seen at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta Nov. 2.
Incident under investigation and will be “thoroughly reviewed by Police Administration”
“This incident is being reviewed by investigators and the use of force is being reviewed as a matter of policy,” Conrad explained. “The department reviews all use of force incidents very carefully and with great detail. This incident is no different.”
When contacted, Conrad responded via email by writing, “At this point, we are satisfied the citizens of Murrieta have enough information referencing the incident and they know what we know.”
“Please know the incident is still being investigated and thoroughly reviewed by Police Administration,” Conrad continued. “At some point, we will present the entire incident to the District Attorney for evaluation of criminal charges.”
Investigators are aware that at least one cell phone video of the incident exists and encourages anyone in possession of other videos of the incident to contact Conrad at (951) 461-6309. Callers can refer to incident file number 1609M-1363 and can remain anonymous.
LAKE ELSINORE – A 20-year-old Lake Elsinore man was arrested Monday for allegedly driving drunk and causing a crash that toppled a utility pole, injuring one person.
Noah Mathew Angel was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence following the midnight wreck at Eisenhower and Riverside drives in Lake Elsinore.
Riverside County sheriff’s Sgt. Todd Grimm said Angel was traveling east on Riverside in a Ford Focus when he rear-ended a Honda Civic. The Ford then plowed into the pole, shearing it completely at its base, Grimm said.
The suspect was not injured, but one of the two occupants of the Civic was transported to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar for treatment, according to the sergeant. The severity of that person’s injuries were unclear.
Deputies conducted a field sobriety test on Angel and determined that he was drunk, Grimm alleged. The suspect was booked into the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta but posted a $2,500 bond and was released a few hours later.
MURRIETA – A man and woman were arrested in Murrieta today after they allegedly attempted to ditch a stolen car.
Savanah Loose, 20, of Lake Elsinore and Rudolph Joseph McCreight, 46, of Wildomar were booked into the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta shortly before 3 a.m.
Loose was arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft, receiving stolen property and being in possession of drug paraphernalia and was being held in lieu of $10,000 bail.
McCreight was booked on suspicion of being in possession of burglary tools. He was released after posting a $2,500 bond.
According to Murrieta police Lt. Tony Conrad, the pair were spotted by a patrolman about 2:15 a.m. behind the Rite Aid store at the intersection of Clinton Keith and Palomar roads.
Conrad said the officer became suspicious when Loose and McCreight got out of a vehicle that was still running and walked away from the parking lot. The pair were detained, and a check of the vehicle revealed it had been reported stolen out of Lake Elsinore on Monday, according to the lieutenant.
He said a search of the vehicle turned up the burglary implements and hypodermic needles. Neither suspect has prior documented felony convictions.
