13 Bikers Arrested After Police Chase on California Freeway

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. – A dramatic police pursuit involving a group of 13 motorcyclists culminated in their arrests on Saturday afternoon, as they traversed through Riverside County in a reckless bid to evade law enforcement. The incident, marked by reckless behavior and serious law violations, has drawn significant attention from both local authorities and the community.

The Chase Begins

The chaotic sequence of events unfolded just after 1 p.m. when local law enforcement, alerted by reports of a large group of motorcyclists obstructing traffic, spotted the riders on the corners of Rancho California and Diaz roads in Temecula. Witnesses reported that these bikers were not merely riding but were actively blocking the roadways, impeding other motorists from passing through. This kind of aggressive behavior not only raised safety concerns but also set the stage for the ensuing pursuit.

As the bikers made their way towards the southbound on-ramp of the 15 Freeway, their disregard for traffic laws became evident. According to reports from the sheriff's department, the group of motorcyclists failed to yield at a solid red traffic signal, merging onto the busy freeway without any regard for the rules of the road or the safety of other drivers. Such blatant infractions illustrate a growing trend of motorcycle groups exhibiting reckless behavior, which, while alarming, is not entirely unprecedented.

The Pursuit and Arrests

Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department quickly took action in response to the situation, initiating a pursuit when the bikers refused to pull over. This is when the scenario escalated further, leading to high speeds and risky maneuvers as the bikers attempted to escape law enforcement. The pursuit finally came to a halt when the group pulled over onto the shoulder of the 15 Freeway, situated just north of Rainbow Valley Boulevard.

What followed was a coordinated effort by deputies to apprehend the suspects. A total of 13 individuals were arrested, each facing various charges, primarily centered around evading law enforcement, a serious offense that underscores the potential dangers both to themselves and to the public.

The Suspects

The arrested individuals have been identified by the sheriff's department as follows:

• Travis McQueen, 36, from Bakersfield, was booked for evading arrest.
• William Brucker, also 36 and from Bakersfield, faced similar charges.
• Paul Mayugba, a 49-year-old from Stockton, was apprehended for evading.
• Joseph Fonseca, aged 48, from Hanford, was charged with evading as well.
• Alexander Patterson, 30, from Taft, was also booked for evading law enforcement.
• Frank Pedrones, 30, from Stockton, faced charges of evading arrest.

Additionally, several individuals were arrested on more severe charges:

• Lewis Forester, 40, from Stockton, was booked for possession of a prohibited weapon.
• Zachary Lancaster, 32, from Bakersfield, also faced charges related to a prohibited weapon.
• William Crosby III, 30, from Las Vegas, NV, was charged with possession of tear gas.
• Yater Felps McGill, 33, also from Las Vegas, NV, was similarly charged for possession of tear gas.
• Dayton Martinez, 28, from Vista, was taken into custody for possession of a dirk or dagger, a type of knife.
• Jesse Williamson, 42, from Cedar City, UT, was arrested for being a convicted felon in possession of a loaded firearm, a serious felony that underscores the risks associated with the incident.
• Christian Pizarro, 24, from Bonita, was apprehended for reckless driving and had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant.

The conclusion of this pursuit saw all 13 suspects transferred to the Cois Byrd Detention Center, where they await further legal proceedings.

A Community Impact

This incident serves as a potent reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and the need for public safety measures to mitigate such behaviors. The sheriff's department is encouraging anyone with additional information related to this incident to come forward, particularly as the community grapples with the broader implications of such reckless actions on public safety.

Lieutenant Victor Pierson can be contacted by those willing to share information at (951) 696 – 3000, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in addressing unlawful activities on the roadways. As the legal processes unfold, both law enforcement and community members are left to reflect on the event's implications, possibly prompting discussions about motorcycle safety and laws regulating group rides in California.

In the aftermath of this high-speed chase, the overarching theme remains clear: the balance between freedom and responsibility must be carefully maintained, especially on public roads, where the well-being of all motorists is at stake.