Vehicle Theft Suspect Arrested 

July 26, 2025 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on April 25, 2025, deputies assigned to the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station responded to the 34700 block of Oneal Road, Wildomar, regarding the theft of a travel trailer and golf cart. Deputies searched the area but were unable to locate the stolen items or the suspect. The Lake Elsinore Station’s Robbery and Burglary Suppression Team assumed the case.

During the investigation, the suspect was identified as Shawn Bannister, a 52-year-old resident of Riverside. The investigation also revealed the location of the stolen property. On July 24, 2025, with the assistance of the Riverside Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau, Lake Elsinore Special Enforcement Team, and the Riverside County Auto Theft Task Force, a search warrant was served in the 16700 block of Wood Song Court, Riverside. Bannister, along with two other subjects, was detained without incident. Deputies located the travel trailer, golf cart, and two additional stolen vehicles. During the search, they also located narcotics, a 22-caliber pistol, and several hundred rounds of ammunition.

Bannister was transported to the Lake Elsinore station, where he was interviewed and booked into Cois Byrd Detention Center for multiple charges, including possession of a stolen vehicle, perjury, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, narcotic sales, theft with priors, and felony drug violations. The two additional subjects at the location were determined to be uninvolved and were released at the scene.

This is an active investigation, and anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact Deputy Noel at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station by calling (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.

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Robert Thomas

File # WI251150025

Source: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office