Authorities in the Inland Empire were busy on Saturday afternoon as they arrested 13 motorcyclists who led them on a pursuit after blocking traffic.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, deputies observed a large group of motorcyclists at the intersection of Rancho California and Diaz roads in the city of Temecula just after 1 p.m.
“The group blocked vehicle traffic, preventing other motorists from traveling along the roadways,” RSO said in a press release. “The motorcyclists then proceeded toward the southbound 15 Freeway where they failed to yield against a solid red light and merged onto the freeway.”
Deputies attempted a traffic enforcement stop on the group, but they accelerated away, leading to a pursuit on the 15.
The group was eventually stopped on the shoulder of the freeway north of Rainbow Valley Road by deputies, who were assisted by the Murrieta Police Department, CHP and the Riverside County Gang Task Force. Law enforcement officials had to close two lanes of traffic for the safety of the responding officers and motorcyclists.
A total of 13 people were arrested on a slew of charges; the following six were booked for evading:
- Travis McQueen, 36, of Bakersfield
- William Brucker, 35, of Bakersfield
- Paul Mayugba, 49, of Stockton
- Joseph Fonseca, 48, of Hanford
- Alexander Patterson, 30, of Taft
- Frank Pedrones, 30, of Stockton
Two other men – identified as 40-year-old Stockton resident Lewis Forester and 32-year-old Zachary Lancaster of Bakersfield – were booked for possession of a prohibited weapon.
A further two men from Las Vegas, identified as 30-year-old William Crosby III and 33-year-old Yater Felps McGill, were arrested for possession of tear gas.
Dayton Martinez, 28, of Vista was booked for being in possession of a dirk or dagger.
A 24-year-old man from the San Diego County community of Bonita named Christian Pizarro was arrested for reckless driving and an outstanding misdemeanor warrant, and the thirteenth suspect was identified as Jesse Williamson, 40, of Cedar City, Utah; he was booked for being a convicted felon in possession of a loaded firearm.
Each of the 13 motorcyclists was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center, RSO said.
Anyone with more information on the incident is asked to contact Lieutenant Victor Pierson by calling 951-696-3000.