October 28, 2023 - Riverside County Sheriff's Office officials report on Friday, October 27, 2023, at about 11:20 P.M., deputies assigned to Lake Elsinore Station responded to an assault with a deadly weapon call near Calcutta Drive and Canyon Lake Drive in Canyon Lake.

Upon arrival, deputies located a victim with a single gunshot wound and was transported to an area hospital for a non-life threatening injury.

During the investigation, deputies determined Franklin Ortega, 33, of Menifee, was the suspect in the shooting. Station Investigations and the Special Enforcement Team responded and assumed the investigation.

On October 28, 2023, at about 5:20 A.M., Mr. Ortega was seen driving in the area of Magnolia Avenue and 91 freeway, in the city of Riverside.

Lake Mathews Station deputies attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle which failed to yield, and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit concluded when Ortega stopped the vehicle near KPC Parkway just north of Sampson, in the city of Corona and fled on foot. Corona Police Department and members of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Bureau and K9 responded. While the area was being searched, Mr. Ortega was located and detained. He was transported to the Lake Elsinore Station and subsequently transported and booked into CBDC for assault with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm and various drug possession charges.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Investigator Garcia Deocampo at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station (951) 245–3300.

As a reminder, “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776–1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency.
Source: Riverside County Sheriff's Office