Medical Emergency Suspected After Man Drives Into Harveston Lake

TEMECULA, CA — A 26-year-old man who plunged his vehicle into Temecula's Harveston Lake Wednesday night likely suffered a medical emergency, a sheriff's spokesperson confirmed Thursday morning.

"Foul play is not suspected," sheriff's Sgt. Brandi Swan said.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing, and as of Thursday morning deputies were unable to speak with the victim because he remained in critical condition, Swan said.

The man was the only person in the vehicle, she confirmed.

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department rescue swimmers responded to the 29000 block of Lake House Road in the Harveston community at about 7:45 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a fully submerged vehicle in the lake, according to a fire department statement.

The swimmers found the man inside the vehicle and made the rescue. He was then taken to a local hospital via ground ambulance in critical condition.

According to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department spokesperson Rob Roseen, a Mercy Air helicopter was on standby at the scene but was not used.

Events leading up to the vehicle becoming submerged are under investigation by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Harveston Lake is at the center of the city of Temecula's 17-acre Harveston Lake Park, which offers trails, picnic areas and pedal boat rentals. The park is surrounded by the Harveston Master Planned Community.