Menifee man faces assault with deadly weapon charge

By Doug Spoon, Editor

A Menifee man faces a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon in connection with a shooting in Canyon Lake on Friday, authorities said.

Franklin Ortega, 33, was arrested following a pursuit that began in Riverside after he was identified as a suspect in the case, according to a Sheriff’s press release. Ortega led deputies on a chase into Corona, where he fled on foot. With help from a K9 unit, Ortega was located and detained. He was transported to the Cois Byrd Detention Center, where he was booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, and various drug possession charges.

Police were called to a location near Calcutta Drive and Canyon Lake Drive about 11:20 p.m. on Friday. They located a victim with a single gunshot wound who was transported to an area hospital with a non-life threatening injury. The investigation indicated that Ortega was the suspect.

Ortega is being held without bail with a Nov. 1 court date upcoming.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Investigator Garcia Deocampo at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station 951-245–3300.