13 motorcyclists arrested after chase on Southern California highway

A photo from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station Facebook page shows a Riverside County Sheriff’s Office patrol car.

Authorities in the Inland Empire had their hands full Saturday afternoon when they arrested 13 motorcyclists who led them on a chase after blocking traffic.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, officers observed a large group of motorcyclists at the intersection of Rancho California and Diaz Road in the city of Temecula shortly after 1 p.m.

“The group blocked car traffic and prevented other motorists from using the roads,” RSO said in a press release. “The motorcyclists then continued south onto Highway 15, where they failed to yield to a red light and merged onto the highway.”

Officers attempted to stop the group for traffic reasons, but they accelerated, leading to a chase on the 15th.

The group was eventually stopped on the shoulder of the highway north of Rainbow Valley Road by officers assisted by Murrieta Police, CHP and the Riverside County Gang Task Force. Officers had to close two lanes for the safety of officers and motorcyclists.

A total of 13 people were arrested on a range of charges; the following six were charged with escape:

• Travis McQueen, 36, of Bakersfield

• William Brucker, 35, of Bakersfield

• Paul Mayugba, 49, of Stockton

• Joseph Fonseca, 48, of Hanford

• Alexander Patterson, 30, of Taft

• Frank Pedrones, 30, of Stockton

Two other men – 40-year-old Lewis Forester of Stockton and 32-year-old Zachary Lancaster of Bakersfield – were arrested for possession of a prohibited weapon.

Two other Las Vegas men, identified as 30-year-old William Crosby III and 33-year-old Yater Felps McGill, were arrested for possession of tear gas.

Dayton Martinez, 28, of Vista was arrested for possession of a dagger.

A 24-year-old man named Christian Pizarro of Bonita Township in San Diego County was arrested for reckless driving and an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. The thirteenth suspect was identified as 40-year-old Jesse Williamson of Cedar City, Utah. He was arrested for possession of a loaded firearm as a convicted felon.

Each of the 13 motorcyclists was taken to the Cois Byrd Detention Center, RSO said.

Anyone with further information regarding the incident is asked to contact Lieutenant Victor Pierson at 951-696-3000.