VIDEO: Police Activity In Murrieta Was Coronavirus Victory

MURRIETA, CA — There were reports of heavy police activity Friday in Murrieta, around Loma Linda University Medical Center, but the commotion was not crime-related. Instead, a Riverside County sheriff's lieutenant got a big "distant" hug from law enforcement as he was being discharged from the hospital following a battle with coronavirus.

The lieutenant, whose name was withheld, was released after his long fight with the virus, and was transported to a nearby rehabilitation facility, according to the Murrieta Police Department.

In videos shared with the public, the lieutenant is shown being rolled out of the hospital and greeted by cheering loved ones, healthcare workers, sheriff’s department personnel and Murrieta police officers.

Crews from Murrieta Fire and Rescue, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, and the Murrieta Police Department lined the roadway in front of the hospital to show support.

The sheriff's department has been hit hard by COVID-19, with dozens of employees and jail inmates testing positive for the virus. Two deputies and one inmate have died from COVID-19 complications.

Sheriff Chad Bianco said on April 17 that 107 inmates had tested positive for the virus, while 71 sheriff's department employees — most working in the corrections division — were also positive.

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