Crime
Deputy Timothy Corlew killed in on-duty traffic accident
It is with immense sadness and a heavy heart that we must share the heartbreaking news that the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has suffered the loss of another deputy in the line of duty.
On January 8, 2025, Deputy Timothy Corlew, a respected and dedicated member of the Jurupa Valley Sheriffโs Station, was tragically involved in a fatal on-duty traffic accident.
At approximately 5:36 a.m., a 911 call reported a traffic collision involving a law enforcement motorcycle in the westbound lanes of the 91 Freeway near La Sierra Avenue.
Responding emergency units arrived quickly, initiating CPR on Deputy Corlew at the scene. He was rushed to Riverside Community Hospital, where, despite all efforts, he was pronounced deceased.
The cause of the crash remains unknown at this time and is currently under investigation by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Riverside office.
Deputy Corlewโs untimely passing is a profound loss to our department and the community he served with honor and dedication. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone at the Riverside County Sheriffโs Office and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Deputy Corlew.
Further information regarding the investigation and arrangements to honor Deputy Corlewโs memory will be shared as it becomes available. We stand united in grief and gratitude for his service and sacrifice.
Rest in peace, Deputy Timothy Corlew. You will never be forgotten.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subjectโs vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorneyโs Office.