SAGE: Officials investigating fatal shooting after body found in SUV along rural road

SAGE — Details are still emerging after deputies investigating reports of shots fired and an assault with a deadly weapon found a vehicle riddled with bullet holes this afternoon. Upon closer inspection, deputies found a man’s lifeless body inside the SUV. Investigators are now at the scene outside a home along a dirt road on the 39000 block of San Ignacio Road, in the unincorporated community of Sage, south of Hemet and east of Temecula.

Early, unconfirmed reports from area residents and those familiar with the shooting indicate a second man was shot during the incident and was taken to an area hospital. His condition and connection with this investigation have not yet been made clear.

Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Southwest Station responded to the area west of Sage and Buck Roads shortly before 1 p.m., after receiving reports of the shooting.

When they arrived deputies found a white Nissan XTerra parked near a residence along a rural dirt road and discovered a deceased man sitting in the driver’s seat of the SUV.

Deputies also found numerous bullet holes in the vehicle and the SUV’s front and rear windows had been damaged by gunfire. Spent shell casings were scattered about the dirt outside the driver’s side door, which stood partially open.

It is not yet known what – if any – connection the vehicle had to nearby homes or if anyone from the area knew the victim; however, at least one person familiar with both parties involved in the shooting claimed the fatal incident was the culmination of an ongoing landlord/tenant dispute and court battle.

Based on the circumstances investigators from the Southwest Station and Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.

Deputies cordoned off the area with crime scene tape and over the next several hours officials brought a mobile command center, trailer and other investigative equipment to the scene.

Technicians from the department’s Forensic Services Bureau responded to assist as well and were later observed documenting, photographing and collecting evidence from in and around the SUV, which had S.A.R. – Search And Rescue emblems affixed to both sides of the vehicle’s front end.

Other than two Tweets confirming their investigation, sheriff’s officials have not released any information about their investigation, which is active and ongoing. Officials are expected to release information regarding the incident in an upcoming press release.

Deputies from Temecula Sheriff’s Station responding to report of assault with deadly weapon in 39000 block of San Ignacio Road in unincorporated community of Sage. One male deceased, investigators enrt ongoing investigation, updates to follow when available.

— Riverside County Sheriff Media Info Bureau (@RSOmedia) March 19, 2018

Investigators from Central Homicide have assumed investigation regarding shooting in 39000 block of San Ignacio Road in unincorporated community of Sage. Updates will continue to be released when available.

— Riverside County Sheriff Media Info Bureau (@RSOmedia) March 19, 2018

This is a developing story that will be updated as information becomes available.

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Contact the writer: [email protected]

Trevor Montgomery, who recently moved from Riverside County to Shasta County, runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes for Riverside County based newspapers Valley News, The Valley Chronicle and Anza Valley Outlook as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County.

Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident.

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations, including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center and Lake Elsinore Station, along with other locations.