Standoff With Suspected Rapist Ends With Arrest In San Jacinto

SAN JACINTO, CA — A suspected rapist who allegedly engaged in a brief standoff with Riverside County sheriff's deputies at a San Jacinto residence before ultimately surrendering peacefully was behind bars Friday.

Steven Miranda, 40, of San Jacinto was arrested Thursday and booked into the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on suspicion of lewd acts on a child under 14 years old and forcible rape. He's being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

According to sheriff's Sgt. Julio Olguin, deputies attempted to serve a search warrant at Miranda's residence in the 400 block of Mistletoe Avenue, near Main Street, about 6 p.m. Thursday, and the suspect allegedly refused to comply, locking himself inside his home.

Because it was suspected that Miranda might be armed, SWAT members were on hand to assist, and when the alleged assailant turned uncooperative, the team surrounded the property, issuing orders for him to exit, Olguin said.

After about an hour, the suspect walked outside and complied with deputies' commands, the sergeant said. No one was injured, and no firearm was seized.

Miranda, who had not been formally charged as of midday Friday, has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.