Crime & Safety

Gang Raids By Murrieta-Temecula Task Force Net 3 Arrests, Guns

Search warrants were served in Menifee and Homeland.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Weapons, narcotics, police uniforms and counterfeit money were among the seizures last week during gang-related searches in Menifee and Homeland by members of the Murrieta/Temecula Regional Gang Task Force, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department announced.

Three people were arrested in connection with the May 7 raids. Kenny James Vierra, 40, was picked up in Menifee on suspicion of being a felon in possession of firearms; Patrick Daniel Neeley, 38, was arrested in Sun City on suspicion of parole violation and Anthony George Ramirez, 41, was nabbed in Menifee on suspicion of violating terms of post release, according to jail records.

Three search warrants were served during the operation, but the sheriff's department did not give specific locations. Neeley was pick up on Helene Way in Sun City, while Vierra and Ramirez were arrested near La Ray Lane and Leon Road in Menifee, jail records show.

"Some of the seized items included a SKS 7.62 rifle, modified shotgun, handgun, MAC-10 pistol, ammunition of all calibers, narcotics, possible stolen police uniforms/duty gear, counterfeit currency, and gang indicia," according to the sheriff's department.

Investigators also uncovered a "suspected large illegal outdoor marijuana grow" at one of the locations, according to the sheriff's department.

The Murrieta/Temecula Regional Gang Task Force that took part in the raids included deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, along with the Riverside Police Department’s Metro/SWAT Unit and Murrieta Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team.

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