53 Arrested At Lake Elsinore Homeless Encampments

LAKE ELSINORE, CA -- More than 50 people were arrested Saturday during an enforcement operation conducted by Lake Elsinore police at homeless encampment sites. Police said officers visited 43 illegal encampments and arrested 53 people on various charges.

The charges included trespassing and felony drug. In addition, one parolee at large was arrested, police said.

Two vehicles were impounded and two dogs were also rescued, according to police.

Police said everyone who was contacted as offered assistance and 26 of them accepted help through the Social Work Action Group.

Police said the operation is an effort to reduce chronic trespassing and crimes associated with members of the homeless community, as well as to provide assistance to those in need.

The operation included the collaborated efforts of officers from Lake Elsinore Police and Code Enforcement, Wildomar Police, Riverside Sheriff's Homeless Outreach Team, Social Work Action Group, Animal Friend of the Valley, Probation, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and Department of Forestry.

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