RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTSheriff Chad Bianco |
| Press Release: | Illegal Fireworks/Possession of a loaded handgun
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| Station Area: | Thermal |
| Written Date: | July 5, 2021 | Time: | 12:55 AM |
| Incident Date: | July 2, 2021 | Time: | 11:13 PM |
| Incident Location: | 87000 block of Center St. Thermal
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| Reporting Officer: | Porfirio Rubio
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| File Number(s): | C211840001
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Vincent Adrian Villegas
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Details:
On July 3, 2021, at 11:13 pm, the Southern Coachella Valley Community Services District Team, were enforcing illegal firework enforcement on the 87000 block of Center St. of Thermal. Five large aerial fireworks, a loaded handgun and illegal narcotics were confiscated. Vincent Adrian Villegas, 27yrs of Thermal was arrested for possession of a loaded handgun and an active felony warrant. Villegas was booked into John Benoit Detention Center.
All fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in Riverside County. All fireworks are illegal because they cause injuries and very often, cause fires. Riverside County has very diverse terrain. The vegetation is very dry where fireworks can easily start a brush fire. Individuals who cause fires by illegal fireworks will be held responsible for all suppression costs. Those costs can run into the millions of dollars.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.