Officers awarded for thwarting auto theft
Eight RPD officers will be recognized for excellence in auto theft
detection, investigation and arrests, before City Council, June 10

Riverside, Ca- Eight Riverside Police Department officers are being recognized Tuesday night for retrieving 154 stolen vehicles, valued at more than $1 million during 2006. The officers also arrested 73 people for Grand Theft Auto.

The California Highway Patrol and Automobile Club of Southern California jointly present the “10851 Award,” named after the Auto Theft section of the California Vehicle Code. The award recognizes officers who meet one of three criteria in a 12-month period: make six separate in-custody arrests related to auto theft; recover 12 or more stolen vehicles, at least three of which are occupied by a suspect(s); or develop information which results in identifying an auto theft ring, the subsequent arrest of two or more suspects and the recovery of at least 10 stolen vehicles.

Officers receiving the “10851 Award” are: Detective Matt Lewis and Officers Cory Camp, Bryan Crawford, Sancho Lopez, Shea McMahon, Aurelio Melendrez, Michael O’Boyle and Chris Williams. The presentation will be made by CHP Inland Division Assistant Chief Alan Carson, assisted by AAA representative Glen Deloss.