2 Arrested In SWR 'Extensive Vehicle Theft' Investigation: Police

TEMECULA, CA — Two Menifee men were arrested this week following an "extensive vehicle theft" investigation carried out by the Temecula Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team, or SET, officials announced Thursday. One of the men was arrested without incident — but the other is accused of fleeing for an hour before he was caught.

The investigation culminated when a search warrant was served Wednesday at a home in the 31400 block of Corderro Lane in nearby Menifee, according to sheriff's Sgt. Jon Wade.

"While serving the search warrant, officers from both the Temecula and Menifee Special Enforcement Teams located numerous stolen items, a stolen motorcycle and a stolen passenger vehicle," Wade said in a news release.

Wade said that man who was at the location, 27-year-old Christopher Jones of Menifee, was ultimately arrested on suspicion of several charges, including: possession of stolen property (including 2 stolen vehicles), possession of methamphetamine, restricted person in possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of a high-capacity magazine, possession of a controlled substance while armed and possession of illegal drug paraphernalia.

Jail records show Jones was taken to the French Valley jail and booked on $25,000 bail.

In addition to Jones' arrest, SET officers soon arrested another man in connection to the case.

"During the investigation, additional information was obtained which led the SET officers to a location in the unincorporated area of Murrieta," Wade said. "Officers located an additional stolen vehicle leaving the area."

Law enforcement officers attempted to pull the driver of that vehicle over, but the driver instead took off speeding, according to Wade. However, "due to the driver's actions," police on the ground did not chase after the man, but a sheriff's helicopter was called in to pursue the fleeing driver.

"The Sheriff’s helicopter arrived and maintained constant surveillance of the fleeing stolen vehicle," Wade said. "After almost an hour, the driver of the stolen vehicle pulled to the side of the road and surrendered to officers from the Temecula Police Department."

The man, identified as 29-year-old Dennis Bunn of Menifee, was arrested in the area of De Portola and Anza roads, according to the sergeant. Bunn was booked into the French Valley jail on suspicion of: evading a police officer, committing a felony while out on bail, violation of county probation, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, and reckless driving.

"This is the third time within the past 6 months that Bunn has been arrested in connection with fleeing from the police in a stolen vehicle," Wade added.

Jail booking information for Bunn was not immediately available.

— Main Image by Renee Schiavone