Menifee Police Department to conduct

DUI patrols

MENIFEE – Additional officers from the Menifee Police Department will be out on patrol Monday, Aug. 7, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“DUIs are 100% preventable and when somebody makes the bad decision to drive impaired; it can potentially have lifelong effects on so many people besides the impaired driver,” Chief Pat Walsh said. “Driving while under the influence of alcohol, and/or drugs, is dangerous, potentially deadly.”

Drivers should arrange for a ride if they plan on drinking or designate a sober driver when going out, otherwise they may get arrested and face legal challenges, he said.

The Menifee Police Department reminded the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal. Drinking or taking medications may impact the ability to drive safely; plan on staying at home. Driving sober is the safest bet. rounds, several of which struck the victim in the upper body. The defendant later told detectives that when he ran out of bullets, he returned to the car and retrieved a 9mm handgun, then walked to the driver’s side window of the Excursion and fired two more shots, striking Carrillo in the face and head, even as he tried to shield himself.

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI will pay a stiff price: 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.

Submitted by Menifee Police Department.

He died at the scene.

Palacios admitted to his girlfriend that he and Mejia had gunned down Carrillo.

Less than two weeks later, sheriff’s detectives located Mejia’s ex- wife and four children residing on Sunrise Way in Palm Springs. The woman revealed that the defendants had visited on the night of June 18 and left three hours later.

An investigator said when he called Mejia’s mobile phone, the defendant “stated he was already in Mexico,” according to court records.

Mejia was taken into custody near Mexico City on Feb. 20, 2015, after more than 18 months on the run. He was extradited back to the U.S. and tried.

Palacios also hid out in Mexico but returned and was located and arrested without incident in Los Angeles in March 2019.

He had prior misdemeanor convictions for illegal possession of a controlled substance, making criminal threats and domestic abuse.

Man suspected of robbing Temecula store, firing gun during getaway

City News Service

Special to the Valley News

A 25-year-old man suspected of stealing goods from a Temecula store and firing a pistol when a clerk attempted to stop him was out of custody Friday, July 28.

Erik Lukas Kittmer of Temecula was arrested and booked into the Byrd Detention Center Thursday, July 27 on suspicion of robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. Kittmer posted a $30,000 bond and was released from the Murrieta jail hours later.

According to Riverside County sheriff’s Sgt. Josh Hephner, about 2:30 a.m. Thursday, the suspect went into the convenience store in the 44500 block of Bedford Court, just off of Interstate 15, and grabbed several items.

Hephner alleged that Kittmer tried to walk out of the store without paying, and the clerk intervened.

“A struggle ensued between the suspect and the employee,” the sergeant said. “During the confrontation, it was reported the suspect pulled out a firearm and discharged it once.”

The clerk backed off, and Kittmer fled the location, according to Hephner.

He said that the victim was not struck by the gunfire.

Relying on security surveillance videotape, as well as other evidence gathered at the scene, deputies were able to identify the alleged assailant as Kittmer, who was tracked to a residence in the 44600 block of Lorraine Drive, where he was taken into custody without incident that morning.

“Deputies located several items of evidence linking Kittmer to the robbery, including a black semiautomatic handgun,” Hephner said. Background information on the suspect was unavailable.

Sheriff’s detectives seek help solving Perris homicide

City News Service Special to the Valley News

Riverside County sheriff’s investigators today asked for the public’s help identifying the person who gunned down a 31-yearold homeless man on a Perris street.

Jorge Alberto Delgado Urista was fatally shot shortly before 9 p.m. Sunday, July 23 in the 300 block of Third Street, near B Street, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Sgt. Ed Baeza said that patrol deputies were sent to the location after witnesses reported gunfire, and they discovered Urista mortally wounded.

He was taken to Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley, where he died a short time later.

Baeza said that deputies scoured the area but were unable to find a suspect.

Central Homicide Unit detectives initiated an investigation that hasn’t yet resulted in an arrest. A possible motive was not disclosed, and a possible description of the shooter was not provided.

Anyone with information was asked to contact detectives at 951955-2777.

Sen. Seyarto’s crime victims’ rights bill is signed into law

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Kelly

Seyarto, R-Murrieta, announced that the governor signed Senate Bill 86 into law, expanding resources available to crime victims by requiring a comprehensive website which provides victims with easy access to essential information and services.

SB 86 builds on Marsy’s Law, which was passed by voters in 2008, that ensures that victims of crime have equal rights as those accused and convicted of crimes.

First responders are required to provide victims with a physical card that lists victims’ rights and additional resources, and the same information will now be presented in a clear and concise manner on a website accessible to victims, closing an information gap to make the aftermath of a crime easier to navigate.

The website is hosted by the Victims Legal Resource Center and includes information and resources so victims can easily access services, like connecting to an attorney who can guide them through the complex legal process and learn about their rights guaranteed under the California

Constitution.

“While California has some of the broadest crime victims’ rights in the United States, without guidance, many victims struggle to understand these rights and the complicated legal process which they often face alone,” Seyarto said. “This law will make the information easier to access, providing clarity and relief to those dealing with trauma.”

Before being signed into law, SB 86 passed through the Senate and Assembly with no opposition and bipartisan support.

Sen. Kelly Seyarto, R-Murrieta, represents California’s 32nd Senate District, which includes the cities and communities of Aguanga, Anza, Borrego Springs, Canyon Lake, Cathedral City, Chino Hills, Corona, Desert Edge, Desert Hot Springs, El Sobrante, French Valley, Good Hope, Hemet, Homeland, Idyllwild, Julian, La Cresta, Lake Elsinore, Lake Mathews, Lakeland Village, Menifee, Mead Valley, Meadowbrook, Murrieta, Norco, Palm Springs, Sage, Sky Valley, Riverside, Temecula, Temescal Valley, Thousand Palms and Valle Vista.

August 4 – 10, 2023