A 67-year-old man has been nabbed in connection with a spree of vehicle break-ins across Riverside County, police said. Michael Salvati, a transient of the area, was arrested on Friday and stands accused of multiple counts of theft-related offenses after a string of burglaries plagued residents.
Authorities were tipped off to the rash of crimes on December 10, 2023, when deputies from the Lake Mathews Station were called to the Lake Hills neighborhood to investigate the incidents. According to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office, the Lake Mathews Special Enforcement Team took the lead on the case, ultimately tracking down Salvati as the suspected thief.
The investigation, which saw victims' vehicles forcibly entered and personal items stolen, led to the arrest of Salvati on Friday, January 5. Booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center, the suspect now faces the consequences of his alleged crime spree. The Riverside County Sheriff's Office states that additional theft cases involving Salvati are currently under review, suggesting the possibility of more charges on the horizon.
With the inquiry into these thefts still active, authorities are urging anyone with related information to come forward. Deputy Robert Staggs can be reached at 951–272–5600 for tips.
