Press Releases

Details:

On Sunday, October 25, 2020, deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station responded to a burglary in progress on the 28000 block of Red Gum Dr. in the county area of Lake Elsinore. Riverside Sheriff’s Aviation Unit observed and followed a vehicle leaving the location. The vehicle was occupied by two suspects, later identified as Eric Valencia, 36-years of age, and Jack DeStefano, 29-years of age, both subjects reside in the city of Lake Elsinore. Deputies attempted to pull the vehicle over and the passenger threw a blue object out the vehicle. The vehicle stopped and deputies detained both occupants. Deputies recovered a blue jacket in the area where they saw the passenger throw the object. The jacket contained almost an ounce of methamphetamine. The investigation revealed both suspects had burglarized the property. Stolen items were located in the suspect vehicle.

Further investigation revealed there were two stolen vehicles on the property and items from the stolen vehicles were also recovered in the suspects’ vehicle, along with burglary tools. Both suspects were arrested and booked into the Cois Bryd Detention Center for burglary, possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools, and possession of methamphetamine.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with further information is asked to contact Corporal Rodriguez-Melendez and Deputy Villaescusa 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 suspicious activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776-1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is and emergency.

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

Eric Valencia	Jack DeStefano