Officers arrest 10 during patrol of Menifee business areas

Continuing their increased efforts to be proactive in locating and identifying sources of crime, members of the Menifee Special Enforcement Team and Menifee Crime Prevention Team arrested 10 adults on a variety of charges on Friday.

The operation included morning patrols in the Romoland and Sun City areas, followed by evening patrol at retail businesses along Newport Road. This was the third major "saturation patrol", in which officers patrol high pedestrian traffic and business areas throughout the city, locating suspicious persons and interacting with residents in an attempt to identify suspects with outstanding warrants or other legal issues.

"Thank you to the SET team for the sweeps they are conducting," Mayor Neil Winter said during the Nov 15 City Council meeting. "They will be continuing their efforts through the holiday season."

The following individuals were arrested and booked on the charges listed:

Mayra Garibay, 27, of Menifee – felon in possession of a firearm; possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia
Jose De Jesus Gutierrez, 23, of Menifee – possession of drug paraphernalia
Michelle Hallberg, 37, of Menifee – felony warrant
Ayo Hullett, 25, of Perris – felony warrants
Kevin Brian Johnson, 34, of Menifee – possession of drug paraphernalia
Alfredo Melendrez, 34, of Menifee – possession of a stolen vehicle
Kelly Thomas Montague, 64, of Menifee – misdemeanor warrants
Kellie Rae Rivas, 35, of Wildomar – misdemeanor warrants
Ernesto Salazar, 36, of Perris – felon in possession of a firearm; possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia
Fredric Paul Wagner, 59, of Menifee – public intoxication

In addition, six other adults were arrested and cited for misdemeanor charges, then released with a notice to appear in court.