Man Arrested for Menifee Auto Theft, Additional Offenses

A truck stolen from Menifee June 16 was located June 29 as it was being disassembled at a residence in Winchester, and a 26-year-old man now faces auto theft, firearm and drug charges, authorities said today.

The 2005 Nissan Titan was reported stolen from the 24000 block of Conejo Road in the Quail Valley community in Menifee on June 16. Investigators from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department identified Artemio Lopez of Winchester as a suspect.

On June 29, deputies located Lopez at a residence in the 33000 block of Finch Street in Winchester. He was taken into custody for two outstanding felony warrants. A search of the property located the stolen truck "in a state of disassembly," according to a news release. Further search revealed a .38 caliber revolver, ammunition, a stolen credit card and a small amount of methamphetamine.

Lopez was booked at Southwest Detention center for possession of the stolen truck as well as firearm and drug charges. His girlfriend, Ana Armienta, was taken into custody and later released.

Then on Tuesday, deputies conducted follow-up investigation at a Home Depot in the 3000 block of Case Road in Perris. They obtained video surveillance showing Armienta fraudulently using the victim's stolen credit card to purchase over $1,000 worth of merchandise. Felony fraud and theft charges will now be requested with the District Attorney's office against Armienta.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Deputy Pulido at 951-210-1000, or by email at PerrisStation@RiversideSheriff.org