Menifee search warrant nets 6 weapons, meth, 7 arrests

MENIFEE — Authorities today announced the arrest of seven people during the service of a search warrant at a Menifee residence yesterday morning, Thursday, March 7. While serving the warrant, officials also seized six weapons and methamphetamine at the home in the 26000 block of Byers Rd., between McLaughlin and Ethanac roads.

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As part of an ongoing investigation, Menifee Special Enforcement Team Officers, with assistance from Perris SET, Gang Task Force Region 6, Lake Elsinore Problem Oriented Policing, and Riverside Auto Theft & Interdiction Detail, served the search warrant about 9 a.m., Riverside Sheriff’s Sgt. Aaron Avila said after the arrests.

During the service of the search warrant several adults were detained, including Lucas Rutledge, 37, of Menifee. “Rutledge was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm and suspected methamphetamine,” said Avila.

Chris Rutledge, 41, of Menifee, was also found to be in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of his probation terms. 

During a search of the property four additional firearms were located and seized.

“As a result of the search warrant, Lucas Rutledge was arrested for possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance while armed, and under the influence of methamphetamine while armed,” explained Avila. Chris Rutledge was arrested for possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, and violation of probation.

A records check of five other people who were detained on the property revealed each had outstanding warrants for their arrests for various charges. Those arrested for their warrants included Menifee residents Jeremie Talbot , 29, and Anthony Larner, 41; James Ellis, 40, of Banning; Ashley Bertelson, 35, of Wildomar; and one additional person.

All seven alleged suspects were booked into Cois Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta for their respective charges.

Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Deputy R. Thornock at the Perris Station by calling (951) 210-1000. Callers can refer to incident file number ME190660140 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.

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Contact the writer: [email protected]

Trevor Montgomery, 47, moved last year to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes for several other news organizations; including Riverside County based newspapers, Valley News, The Valley Chronicle, and Anza Valley Outlook; as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County and Mountain Echo in Shasta 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. (Click here to see segment of Discovery Channel documentary of Trevor’s 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.

Trevor’s assignments included Corrections, Patrol, DUI Enforcement, Boat and Personal Water-Craft based Lake Patrol, Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement, Problem Oriented Policing Team, and Personnel/Background Investigations. He finished his career while working as a Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Investigator and was a court-designated expert in child abuse and child sex-related crimes.

Trevor has been married for more than 28 years and was a foster parent to more than 60 children over 13 years. He is now an adoptive parent and his “fluid family” includes 13 children and 15 – but soon to be 16 – grandchildren.