13 motorcyclists arrested after short chase in Riverside County

More than a dozen motorcyclists were arrested in Temecula on Saturday after allegedly leading officers on a short chase.

It happened around 1 p.m. when officers from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s Southwest Station were patrolling near Rancho California Road and Diaz Road and spotted a large group of motorcyclists, a department statement said.

Deputies claimed the group blocked traffic in the area and prevented cars and other motorists from driving on the road.

The group then continued onto Freeway 15, allegedly ignoring a red light before moving into the southbound lanes.

When officers attempted to stop the group, the suspects instead drove away and began a short chase that ended north of Rainbow Valley Boulevard, RSO’s statement said.

Due to the large group of motorcyclists, additional deputies as well as officers from the Murrieta Police Department and the Riverside County Gang Task Force were called to the area.

During the arrests, two lanes were temporarily closed.

A total of 13 bikers were arrested, with six of them being taken into custody on suspicion of fleeing, two on suspicion of possession of a prohibited weapon, two on suspicion of possession of tear gas, one on suspicion of possession of a dagger, one on suspicion of illegal conduct with a loaded firearm and one on suspicion of reckless driving, as well as an outstanding warrant for a misdemeanor, the statement said.

None of the suspects have been identified.

All were housed at the Cois Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact RSO Detectives at (951) 775-1099.