Ortega Highway 74 Sweep Operation Nets Multiple Arrests: Sheriff

LAKE ELSINORE, CA—Drivers of the Ortega Highway were scrutinized this week during "Operation Highway 74 Clean Sweep." A total of 32 people were arrested or detained, and one robbery was halted in progress during the multi-agency operation, according to Riverside County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Kory Murphy.

The multi-agency law enforcement crackdown was conducted Wednesday between 8 p.m. and midnight along Highway 74 between Lake Elsinore and Mountain Center. Nearly three dozen arrests and seizures of vehicles, illegal drugs, and guns were made by the 60 law enforcement personnel involved in the event.

"Two stolen vehicles and two firearms were recovered from felons," the sergeant said. "Notably, one antique wooden musket was also recovered ... in working condition. Six vehicles were towed, and an 'armed and dangerous burglary suspect' was located and taken into custody. Another suspect was arrested for methamphetamine sales."

He said that during one patrol, deputies spotted a theft-in-progress at a grocery store and immediately nabbed the perpetrator.

The following is a list of the 32 people arrested during the operation:

• Michael Nelson, a 30-year-old resident of Perris, was arrested on probation violation and theft charges.
• Jesse Maya, a 32-year-old resident of San Jacinto, was arrested on outstanding warrants.
• Jared Ayers, a 39-year-old resident of Hemet, was arrested for evading a peace officer.
• Joseph Flores, a 42-year-old resident of Hemet, was arrested on parole violation and drug charges.
• Roger Alvarado, a 46-year-old resident of Perris, was arrested for drug charges and outstanding warrants.
• Jessica Frisbee, a 34-year-old resident of Homeland, was arrested on outstanding warrants.
• Gary Fink, a 42-year-old resident of Hemet, was arrested on outstanding warrants.
• Pedro Rangel, a 42-year-old resident of Homeland, was arrested on drug-related charges.
• Ira Montoya, a 39-year-old resident of Homeland, was arrested on probation violation and weapons charges.
• Brian Munoz, a 41-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore, was arrested on outstanding warrants.
• Roy Gerard, 38-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore, arrested on outstanding warrants.
• Richard Parker, a 52-year-old resident of Hemet, was arrested on multiple drug charges.
• Jerrel Teague, a 40-year-old resident of Hemet, was arrested on drug-related charges.
• Donna Alley, a 61-year-old resident of Homeland, was arrested on drug charges.
• Michael Ignacio, 36-year-old resident of Hemet, arrested on outstanding warrants.
• Joel Lang, 60-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore, arrested on outstanding warrants.
• Oswaldo Rivas, a 44-year-old resident of Hemet, was arrested on outstanding warrants.
• Joshua Morris, a 41-year-old resident of Hemet, was arrested on probation violation and drug charges.
• Isavella Shank, a 31-year-old resident of Menifee, was arrested on drug charges.
• Miguel Padilla, a 31-year-old resident of Winchester, was arrested on drug charges.
• Albert Padilla, a 45-year-old resident of Hemet, was arrested for a crime against a peace officer.
• Joshua Camirand, resident of Hemet, arrested on outstanding warrants.
• Kaela Abbott, a 38-year-old resident of Perris, was arrested on a probation violation and drug charges.
• Joshua Schrosbree, a 38-year-old resident of Homeland, was arrested on weapons charges.
• Fidel Alanis, a 30-year-old resident of Hemet, was arrested on drug-related charges.
• Seth Magana, a 22-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore, was arrested on burglary and weapons charges.
• Jeff Eves, 55-year-old resident of Hemet, arrested on outstanding warrants.
• Jesus Vendrell, 52-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore, arrested on outstanding warrants.
• Brent Nadolson, 41-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore, arrested on outstanding warrants.
• Bryan Ereth, a 62-year-old resident of Lake Elsinore, was arrested on drug-related charges.
• Juan Tenorio, a 25-year-old resident of Perris, was arrested on outstanding warrants.
• Jake Rice, 25-year-old resident of Menifee, arrested on outstanding warrants.

Altogether, 14 of the detained individuals were booked into correctional facilities on outstanding misdemeanor or felony arrest warrants.

"This operation was a joint effort ... aimed at making Highway 74 a safer place for residents," Murphy said. Similar crackdowns are planned in the future.