City Of Murrieta Press Release
March 24, 2023


Murrieta Fire & Rescue Welcomes New Fire Chief

Press Release - City of Murrieta
March 23, 2023


City of Murrieta Honored with Multiple Awards

City of Menifee Press Release
March 20, 2023


Davids Natural Toothpaste Opening in Menifee’s Innovation District

The Latest from Hemet PD
February 23, 2023

 
 
 
 
 

Homicide Investigation

Hemet Police Department
Hemet, Calif. — On Wednesday, February 22, at approximately 6:39 pm, the Hemet Public Safety Communications Center received a call regarding a large fight in the area of the 500 block of North Gilbert Street. Officers arrived on the scene and located an adult victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to Riverside University Health System Medical Center but succumbed to their injuries. The name of the victim is not being released pending notification of their family.
 
Hemet Police Department’s Investigations Bureau is investigating this case as a homicide and has arrested a person of interest.
 
This is an active investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact Investigator Katie Rabago at (951) 765-2426, or provide anonymous information through the Hemet Police Department’s smartphone app, available for free Apple App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android users. Anonymous tips are always accepted.


Hemet Press Release
February 10, 2023

 
Not-So-Medium-Logo
 
   
Hemet Police Department News
We're keeping you up to date on important informaton in your community.
 
 

Passenger Killed in Traffic Collision

Hemet Police Department
Hemet, Calif. — On Monday, February 6, 2023, at about 3:41 pm, the Hemet Police Dispatch Center began receiving calls about a traffic collision that had just occurred in the intersection of Cawston Ave. and Devonshire Ave. in the City of Hemet. The initial callers reported that two vehicles were involved and that at least two people were unconscious. Hemet Police and Fire Department units immediately responded to the location. Upon their arrival, public safety personnel learned that one of the vehicles, a gray Toyota Prius, was on fire. The other involved vehicle, a black Ford Escape, was found next to the Prius. The Hemet Fire Department extinguished the fire while medical aid was provided to the involved parties.
 
There were three subjects in the vehicles: one male driver in the Prius and two people, a male driver and a female passenger, in the Escape. All three subjects were transported to local hospitals for injuries, with the female from the Escape being listed in critical condition. The female passenger from the Escape succumbed to her injuries at the hospital later Monday evening. The name of the female is being withheld pending coroner notification.
 
Preliminary investigation revealed that the Ford Escape was driving southbound in the southbound lane of Cawston, approaching Devonshire, and the Prius was driving northbound in the northbound lane of Cawston. At some point before or in the intersection of Cawston and Devonshire, the Prius continued northbound on Cawston but entered into the southbound lane, colliding with the Escape in a head-on collision. Both vehicles came to rest on Cawston, just north of Devonshire. Based on evidence located at the scene, it is believed that the speed of the Prius is very likely to be a factor in this collision. At this time, it is unknown if intoxication played a role in this collision; however, the investigation is ongoing.
 
If you witnessed the collision or have any information that may help investigators, contact Corporal Tim McGinnis at (951) 765-2400.


Press Release Murrieta Police Department
December 05, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 5, 2022
DUI Checkpoint
Murrieta Police Department Holding DUI Checkpoint December 17, 2022
Murrieta, CA. – The Murrieta Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Saturday, December 17, 2022,
from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., at an undisclosed location within the Murrieta city limits.
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of
checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving while
impaired. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol
and/or drugs.
The Murrieta Police Department is committed to keeping the traveling public safe. “The safety of our
community is and always will be our mission,” Murrieta Police Chief Tony Conrad said. “We are looking for
impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts the driver and others on the road
at risk.”
The Murrieta Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some
prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with safe driving. Always follow directions
for use and read warning labels when “driving or operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car.
As a reminder, while medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal in the State of California, driving under the
influence of marijuana is illegal. Please plan on staying home if you plan to drink, take medication, or ingest
any marijuana.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended
license.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Contact Lt. Spencer Parker at 951-461-6364 or sparker@murrietaca.gov with any questions.


Press Release City of Murrieta Police Department
December 01, 2022

 From Murrieta Police

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DATE: 12/01/22 CASE NUMBER: MR22-6342

Commercial Burglary Arrest

Murrieta, CA – On Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 3:13 a.m., the Murrieta Police Department received a 911 call of a commercial burglary in progress at Graham Cracker Comics located at 25021 Madison Avenue. The reporting party was monitoring CCTV cameras and told dispatch they could see subjects taking items from inside the business after smashing the front window to gain entry.

Officers arrived within minutes and observed a black Dodge Charger in the parking lot that fled when officers attempted to make contact. A second suspect was spotted on foot in front of the business but was quickly apprehended after attempting to flee on foot.

A vehicle pursuit ensued with the Charger driving westbound on Los Alamos Road as officers followed with emergency overhead lights and sirens activated. Officers briefly lost sight of the vehicle in the area of Ivy Street and Washington Avenue but determined it had lost control and crashed. The vehicle was located at the corner of Ivy Street and 3rd Avenue, lodged into the corner of a nearby residence with the driver missing.

Officers quickly established a perimeter and found the driver hiding in a nearby backyard. The driver and other suspect were both arrested and transported to a local hospital. The driver was treated for injuries sustained as a result of the vehicle collision and the other suspect was treated for unrelated health issues. After receiving medical clearance, both suspects were booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center. No residents or officers were injured during the incident.

Detectives assisted in processing the Charger for evidence and found numerous comics and other items inside the vehicle that had been taken from the business along with burglary tools.

Anthony Shepherd, a 25-year-old male from San Jacinto, was arrested for 459 PC - Burglary, 2800.2(a) CVC - Evading Peace Officer, 2002(a) CVC - Hit and Run, 3056 PC - Parole Violation.

Nikida Staten, a 37-year-old male from Los Angeles, was arrested for 459 PC - Burglary, 11377(a) H&S - Possession of Controlled Substance, Felony Warrant.

Murrieta Fire & Rescue and the Murrieta Building Inspector later responded to inspect the damage caused to the residence.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lieutenant Jeremy Durrant
2 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562
(951) 461-6317 | jdurrant@murrietaca.gov

PRESS RELEASE

CITY OF MURRIETA POLICE DEPARTMENT www.murrietapolice.org

page1image3595792page1image3596000 page1image3596208 page1image3596416 page1image3596624 page1image3596832 page1image3597040


City of Menifee appoints Interim Police Chief
November 28, 2022

City of Menifee News & Announcements
Posted on: November 28, 2022
City Manager Appoints Chris Karrer to Interim Police Chief, Chief Varso to Return to Escondido


With the City of Escondido’s chief of police position yet to be filled following his departure, Chief Ed Varso has made the decision to return to his former employer where he served for over twenty years. Chief Varso felt comfortable making this decision based on the Menifee Police Department’s strong foundation and internal leadership. 
“Since its launch in July 2020, the Menifee Police Department has attracted the best and brightest officers and personnel from all across California,” said Chief Varso. “I believe the team here is well-suited to carry on the operations of the police department and continue its successful trajectory well into the future.”  
Captain Chris Karrer, who has served with the Menifee Police Department since its inception, has been appointed the interim Chief of Police by City Manager Armando G. Villa. Captain Karrer is a U.S. Marine veteran and has over 20 years of local law enforcement experience overseeing numerous divisions including patrol, traffic, investigations, operations, and support services. 
“It has been an honor serving Menifee along with the exceptional men and women of the Menifee Police Department who selflessly put their lives on the line every day to protect our community,” said Karrer. “I look forward to building upon our success and continuing to grow the department with talented officers and support staff.” 
Chief Varso’s last day with Menifee will be Saturday, December 17, 2022. 
“During his short time here in Menifee, Chief Varso made a strong positive impact on his officers and our community,” said Villa. “We thank him for his service and know the department will be in good hands under the direction of Captain Karrer.”  
Captain Karrer will assume his new duties on December 18, 2022. Next steps in the appointment of a permanent police chief are in development. 

8 Records