UPDATE: Suspects arrested after San Jacinto car to car shooting that killed pregnant dog

SAN JACINTO, Calif. — Authorities say two men have been arrested in connection with a car to car shooting in San Jacinto that ended in the death of the victim’s pregnant dog last December. Both men remain in custody, with one being held in lieu of $1.12 million dollars while the other remains incarcerated with his bail set at $500,000.

Officials say 7-year-old “Precious” was fatally injured when she was struck by a bullet that was intended for her owner. According to the owner, she was pregnant when she died. Eddie George/Hemet News Photo

Reports at the time indicated the victim was alone inside his car with his three standard poodles, including seven-year-old “Precious”- who was pregnant, when the alleged gunmen opened fire on his car near the intersection of Hewitt Street and Esplanade Avenue.

That shooting was followed just seven days later by another similar car to car shooting on Christmas Eve, which happened on Columbia Street north of N. Florida Avenue in Hemet and left the victim hospitalized after they crashed into two parked vehicles. Officials have not said if the two incidents may have been related.

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Deputies from the San Jacinto Sheriff’s Station began investigating the deadly shooting Dec. 17, after receiving reports that a man’s dog was shot during a car to car shooting, Riverside Sheriff’s Sergeant Brad Farwell said at the time.

“The suspect … fired multiple rounds into the victim’s vehicle,” the Sergeant continued; adding, “A canine in the back seat of the victim’s vehicle was struck by the gunfire and died from its injuries.”

Authorities yesterday announced the arrest of two San Jacinto men, Joshua Rivera and Jose Monrial, in connection with a December car to car shooting that left the victim’s pregnant dog dead. RSO booking photos

“It appeared to us that the bullet that went through the back window striking Precious was meant for her owner,” RCNS affiliate reporter Eddie George of Hemet News reported from the scene last December.

“Precious gave her life by taking the bullet for her master,” George described; adding, “The driver was uninjured but was very shook up and hurt from losing his baby Precious.”

George also reported seeing no less than eight bullet holes in the victim’s vehicle; including in the car’s front windshield and back window, as well as in the back of the car and tail light.

Officials have not said if there was any known motive for the deadly shooting or what may have led to the fatal encounter.

SEE ORIGINAL RELATED STORIES:

Victim’s dog dead after car to car shooting in San Jacinto

Second car to car shooting in San Jacinto valley in 7 days leads to crash, one injured

As their investigation continued, officials gathered leads and developed information that ultimately led to the arrest of two men, 25-year-old, Joshua Matthew Rivera, and 24-year-old Jose Luis Monrial, according to Farwell. Both men are San Jacinto residents. 

Although Rivera was located and arrested on Saturday, Dec. 19, just two days after the deadly shooting, Monrial was not located when the Sheriff’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team served a search warrant at his San Jacinto residence in the 800 Block of Minor Street later that same day, according to Farwell.

As the search for Monrial continued, on Sunday, Jan. 31, a San Jacinto Sheriff’s Station deputy who responded to a home on Minor Street regarding a medical aid call for service located and arrested Monrial.

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Online jail records indicate that after his December arrest, Rivera was booked into jail on a dozen charges; including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon/firearm, shooting at a vehicle, weapons violations, as well as prior felony conviction and state prison enhancements. He was also booked on numerous drug-related charges and violations of his state parole.

He remains in custody in lieu of $1.12 million bail or bond.

Records also indicate that after his January arrest, Monrial was booked on suspicion of attempted murder, felony conspiracy, and shooting at a vehicle. He was also booked on drug violations and remains in custody in lieu of $500,000 bail or bond.

The sheriff’s investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Don Atkinson at the San Jacinto Sheriff Station by calling (951) 791-3400. Callers can refer to incident file number I203520053 and can remain anonymous.

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Eddie George/Hemet News photos

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Trevor Montgomery, 49, moved in 2017 to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source (RCNS) and Shasta County News Source (SCNS). Additionally, he writes or has written for several other news organizations; including Riverside County-based newspapers Valley News, Valley Chronicle, Anza Valley Outlook, and Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle; the Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County; and Mountain Echo in Shasta County. He is also a regular contributor to Thin Blue Line TV and Law Enforcement News Network.

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 30 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 18 grandchildren.