WILDOMAR – While investigating a string of robberies, Lake Elsinore police discovered a honey oil lab.
Authorities, believing that a series of robberies that occurred throughout July were related, began a search for a single suspect. The three burglaries occurred at the Storm Stadium and the Green Springs Golf Course in the city of Lake Elsinore.
According to a press release from the Riverside Sheriff’s Department, the total damage to The Diamond, home of the minor-league Lake Elsinore Storm baseball team was approximately $5,000, and the value of stolen property was $500.
On Wednesday, July 22, the Green Springs Golf Course was burglarized. The thief made off with three golf carts and two radios. The total value of the property stolen in that incident was estimated to be $15,000. Authorities were ultimately able to recover the golf carts, which were badly damaged. However, the radios, which were valued at $1200 each, are still missing.
Lake Elsinore Police Theft Suppression Team searched the home of Shane Michael Lehr, a 19-year-old Wildomar resident on July 30, believing him to be responsible for the July crimes. Wildomar is just south of the city of Lake Elsinore. While searching Lehr’s home, the investigator discovered a honey oil lab.
Lehr was arrested for the burglaries, vandalism, and possession of concentrated cannabis. He was booked at Southwest Detention Center and remained there Friday in lieu of $50,000 bail. Records show that Lehr had been arrested earlier this year for possession of a stolen vehicle, and evading officers with wanton disregard for public safety. In that incident, Lehr was spotted by Lake Elsinore police in a stolen Mini Cooper and failed to pull over. After a brief chase, Lehr lost control of the car at Stoneman Street. He was arrested at 2 am on Friday, March 7.
This investigation is ongoing and the Theft Suppression Team is continuing to follow leads. Anyone with information about the burglaries is encouraged to contact Deputy James Martinez or Deputy Brian Keeney at the Lake Elsinore Station 951-245-3300.
