Canyon Hills schools locked down during suspect search

Schools in the Canyon Hills community were placed on lockdown Monday while Sheriff’s deputies searched for the suspect in a vehicle theft, authorities said.

Deputies responded to the area of Railroad Canyon Road and Canyon Hills Road to the report of a stolen vehicle out of Long Beach, according to a Sheriff’s Department news release. Deputies attempted an enforcement stop, but the suspect vehicle fled. Following a pursuit, the vehicle stopped in the 33000 block of Mistflower Court and the suspect fled on foot into a ravine.

Members of the Sheriff’s Department SWAT team, K-9 Unit and Aviation Unit conducted a search of the area and area schools were placed on lockdown. The suspect was not located. After the search was discontinued, the lockdown was lifted. There is no threat to the public, authorities said.

The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy Stokes at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department- Lake Elsinore Station by calling 951-245-3300.