13 motorcyclists arrested in Temecula after short chase – Press Enterprise

Thirteen motorcyclists have been arrested in Temecula after allegedly leading officers on a chase, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said.

Officers patrolling Temecula on Saturday, July 27, around 1 p.m. saw a large group of motorcyclists on Rancho California and Diaz roads, the department said.

The group was accused of blocking traffic and preventing other motorists from using the road.

The motorcyclists then headed toward the on-ramp to Freeway 15, authorities said, ignoring a red light and merging onto the freeway.

Officers attempted to pull them over, but the suspects failed to yield and sped off. A short chase ensued, ending on the shoulder of the highway north of Rainbow Valley Boulevard.

Officers from the California Highway Patrol, Murrieta Police Department and the Riverside County Gang Task Force also responded to the scene.

Two lanes were temporarily closed.

Six motorcyclists were arrested on suspicion of evading, two were arrested on suspicion of possession of a prohibited weapon, two were arrested on suspicion of possession of tear gas, one was arrested on suspicion of possession of a dagger or lance, one was arrested on suspicion of possessing a loaded firearm as a convicted felon and one was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving and an outstanding misdemeanor warrant, authorities said.