RivCo Cemetery Theft Suspect Arrested: More Victims Sought, Officials Say

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A 47-year-old man was arrested over the weekend for allegedly stealing from people's vehicles while they were attending funerals at Riverside National Cemetery, authorities said.

Kurt Gruen, 47, of Grand Terrace, was identified and arrested Saturday after leading authorities on a brief vehicle pursuit that ended in Hemet, according to Lt. Jerry Abbott of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Numerous thefts have occurred at vehicles parked at the cemetery located in the 22000 block of Van Buren Boulevard, according to Abbott.

On Saturday, at approximately 5 p.m., Gruen was seen leaving a cemetery in the 22000 block of Van Buren Boulevard, according to his report.

"Deputies attempted a traffic enforcement stop, but Gruen failed to yield, prompting a pursuit," Abbott said. "The pursuit terminated in the area of Stetson Avenue and Cawston Avenue, in the city of Hemet.

Gruen was taken into custody without incident and was being held at the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta. He is slated to appear in court on Wednesday at the Riverside Hall of Justice on pending charges of evading a peace officer, several counts of vehicle burglary, possession of stolen property, and several fraud-related charges.

This is an ongoing investigation, and no additional details are available at this time.

The Riverside Sheriff’s Office believes there may be additional unreported cases and encourages anyone with additional information to contact Deputy Daily at the Perris Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 210–1000 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776-1099.

Anyone with additional information about the case was encouraged to contact Deputy Daily at 951-210-1000.