33 Arrested In Elsinore Homeless Encampment Raids

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Sheriff's deputies, accompanied by Lake Elsinore Mayor Natasha Johnson and code enforcement officers, raided 17 homeless camps and arrested 33 people on suspicion of various crimes, Lake Elsinore officals said Sunday.

The raids were carried out at 5 a.m. Saturday in areas around the city that have reported a high incidence of trespassing, said Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. James Woodland. Woodland said they were carried out "in an ongoing effort to reduce chronic trespassing and crimes associated with members of the homeless community, as well as to provide assistance to those in need."

In total, the following arrests were made:

• 19 people were arrested on suspicion of trespassing
• 8 people were arrested for outstanding warrants
• 2 people were arrested for on suspicion of drug-related crimes

Two vehicles were also impounded, according to Woodland. Those arrested were taken to the French Valley jail.

"In addition, two people were connected with services to assist with chemical dependency. Fifteen people were provided information for services to assist with home placement, of which two accepted," Woodland said.

The department warned that more raids would occur in the future if called for.

— City News Service contributed to this report / Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone