Staff Reports

Inland Empire – In January, several crime incidents took place in Eastvale and Norco. The incidents are listed below, courtesy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.  

INCIDENT: Major Injury Traffic Collision

WHEN: January 26, 2020

WHERE: River Road cross of Baron Road, Eastvale

On Sunday, January 26, 2020, about 7:34 AM, deputies from the Jurupa Valley Station responded to a report of a single vehicle traffic collision at River Road cross of Baron Road, in the city of Eastvale.

Upon arrival, a small compact vehicle was located in the embankment area of the Santa Ana River. The vehicle was occupied by a single male adult.  The male occupant sustained major injury and was transported to a local hospital. Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was traveling southbound on River Road when the vehicle struck a curb and launched into the embankment at Baron Road. The Jurupa Valley Station’s Traffic Reconstruction Team is conducting a full investigation to determine the cause of the collision.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call Deputy Shamhart at the Jurupa Valley Station, 951-955-2600.  Persons who wish to report criminal activity and wish to remain anonymous can call crime stoppers at 800-78-CRIME (800-782-7463) or 800-47-DRUGS (800-473-7847).  You can also leave anonymous information at //www.riversidesheriff.org/tipline or www.wetip.com.

INCIDENT: Robbery

WHEN: January 23, 2020

WHERE: 13000 block of Limonite Ave, Eastvale

On Thursday, January 23, 2020, at 11:15 AM, deputies assigned to the city of Eastvale responded to a strong-arm robbery at the CareMore Pharmacy, located in the 13000 block of Limonite Ave in the city of Eastvale.  Initial reports indicated an unknown white male adult entered the business and walked toward the cashier counter demanding money from the register, while holding one hand behind his back. The suspect fled with money taken form the cash register concealing it in a black bag.

Deputies arrived and established a perimeter around the area and searched for the suspect, but they did not locate him.  During the ongoing investigation, in collaboration with the Riverside Police Department, information was obtained that identified the suspect as 40-year old Haissam Massalkhy from Pomona who is currently on Parole. 

On Thursday, January 30, 2020, Deputies from the Eastvale Special Enforcement Team conducted a follow up investigation. They arrested Massalkhy, retrieved items of clothing that were worn during the incident, and charged him with robbery.

Anyone with information pertaining to this investigation is encouraged to contact Deputy Hughes at (951) 955-2600

INCIDENT: Residential Burglary Arrest

WHEN: January 15, 2020

WHERE: 4900 Block of Viceroy Avenue, Norco

On January 15, 2029 at 5:15 P.M., Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department-Norco Station, responded to the location for an unknown subject inside of the victim’s garage. The subject fled the residence on foot, prior to deputy arrival. The family at the location provided vital identifying information and location of the suspect. Deputies contacted the subject near the Nature Center. He was reluctant to provide his name to the arresting deputies. Evidence of a burglary was located on the subject and he was consequently arrested. He was booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center for Burglary and Impeding an Investigation.

The subject was initially booked as a John Doe, but through the booking process was identified as Nathan Ahern, 40 years-old WMA and transient from the City of Riverside. Ahern was also wanted for two Felony Warrants out of Los Angeles County for Arson. He is being held without Bail.

Anybody with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Deputy R. Whittenburg at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Norco Station at 951-270-5673

INCIDENT: Robbery Arrest

WHEN: January 11, 2020

WHERE: 3000 Block of Shadow Canyon Circle, Norco

On January 11, 2020, at 11:15 P.M., Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department-Norco Station, responded to the 3000 block of Shadow Canyon Circle, Norco, in reference to a burglary in progress. The victim awoke to noises inside his residence and located two unknown Hispanic Male Adults inside his spare bedroom attempting to take property. The victim confronted the suspects and an altercation occurred causing the victim to sustain minor injuries.

The suspects managed to get away from the victim and escape through a bedroom window, leaving behind several items. Th Riverside County Sheriff’s Forensics Team responded to process the scene that evening.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department-Norco Station’s Special Enforcement Team continued with the investigation. On Tuesday, February 4, 2020, crucial identifying information was obtained from Forensics which identified, Alberto Jose Cruz Perez, a 19-year-old male, resident of Inglewood, as one of the suspects. After an extensive search for Cruz, he was located and detained in the City of Riverside on February 5, 2020.

Alberto Jose Cruz was consequently placed under arrest for Robbery and booked into the Robert Presely Detention Center where he is being held on $35,000 bail.

This investigation is still ongoing. Anybody with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Deputy J. Kehrier at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Norco Station at 951-270-5673

INCIDENT: Discharging a Firearm in a Grossly Negligent Manner

WHEN: January 11, 2020

WHERE: 6200 Block of Bay Street, Eastvale

On January 11, 2020, at 11:32 pm, deputies assigned to the city of Eastvale responded to the 6200 block of Bay Street regarding a man firing a gun outside.  Deputies located the male suspect, identified as 31-year-old Eastvale resident, Jorge M. Lopez, on the street and arrested him. No injuries were reported by residents in the area.  Deputies served a search warrant at Lopez’s residence and located four firearms.  Lopez was booked into Robert Presley Detention Center for discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner. 

The investigation is on-going. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Deputy Linfoot #3786 from the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station at (951) 955-2600