Murrieta Police Chase Ends In 2 Arrests

MURRIETA, CA — Murrieta police on Tuesday announced the recent arrests of a man and woman who were allegedly caught after leading authorities on a chase into Wildomar. The two, both residents of Lake Elsinore, were caught with the help of Murrieta's police K9 'Buck' — and a wet trail of clues left behind by one of the accused, according to the Murrieta Police Department.

It began on March 19 around 1:38 a.m. when a police officer started a traffic stop in the area of Clinton Keith Road and Murrieta Oaks Road, according to MPD Lt. Mark Reid. After the driver pulled over to the side of the road and the police officer followed suit — things quickly escalated.

"As the officer approached the vehicle, the female driver accelerated and fled at a high rate of speed," Reid said in a press release.

The driver sped off into neighboring Wildomar, where she ultimately crashed into a parked car, according to Reid. A man and woman then jumped out and ran.

"The officer watched as the male and female climbed over a brick wall and into the back yard of a residence," Reid said. "The officer followed on foot and as he crested the wall, he watched the male suspect climb out of a swimming pool and flee into the darkness."

After the two ran off, the man was caught first, Reid said. That's all "...thanks to the trail of water he left behind."

"With the assistance of Police Service Dog 'Buck,' the male was taken into custody without incident," Reid said. "The female suspect was located a short distance away and also taken into custody."

Ultimately, 22-year-old Melissa Unger and 30-year-old Richard Angels were arrested at the scene.

"Ms. Unger was found to be on active mandatory supervision for narcotics related charges," Reid said. "Unger also had three felony warrants for her arrest for narcotics, vehicle theft and possession of a stolen vehicle. Mr. Angels was found to have a felony warrant for his arrest for the possession of metal knuckles."

Police impounded the vehicle used in the chase as they found a "significant amount of methamphetamine, narcotics paraphernalia, several modified vehicle keys often used to commit vehicle theft as well as a tool used to bypass a vehicle's ignition."

Unger was booked into the French Valley jail on suspicion of several felonies, records showed. Her bail was set at $100,000 and she remained jailed as of Tuesday.

As for Angels, he was booked on a drug possession charge and a felony warrant, according to police. Records showed he posted bail and was released.

— Images via Murrieta Police Department