In Lake Elsinore, authorities have clamped down on a suspect accused of brazenly stealing flowers from the eternal resting places of the departed. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department disclosed the arrest of Angela Riedel, a 45-year-old local, implicated in the cemetery thefts that marred the community's sanctified grounds on Collier Avenue.
The investigation, led by the Lake Elsinore Station Special Enforcement Team (SET), unearthed Riedel as the suspect following an initial outcry in local media outlets at the end of December 2023. SET deputies were to swiftly respond when Riedel was sighted near the intersection of Central and Collier Avenue on January 4, 2024. She was subsequently detained and booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center on charges of vandalism and theft, according to a report on the sheriff's website.
The ongoing investigation has opened the door for others to come forward with any pertinent information that might shed further light on this tarnished saga. Deputy Stacey, representative of the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station, is the point of contact for the public to contribute any additional details that could assist law enforcement in their continuous efforts.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department took the opportunity to remind and encourage area residents and business owners to be vigilant and to easily report any suspected criminal activities. Their commitment to "Community Policing" emphasizes collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve. In the event of an emergency, the department has underscored the importance to dial 911 immediately, and for other situations, to reach out to Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776–1099.
