On April 25, 2025, deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of stolen property on Oneal Road in Wildomar. The theft involved a travel trailer and golf cart. Despite searching the area, neither the items nor the suspect were found initially. The Robbery and Burglary Suppression Team at the Lake Elsinore Station took over the investigation.
The suspect was identified as Shawn Bannister, a 52-year-old Riverside resident. Investigators also discovered where the stolen property was located. On July 24, 2025, with assistance from various law enforcement teams including the Riverside Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau and others, a search warrant was executed at Wood Song Court in Riverside. Bannister and two others were detained without incident. Authorities recovered the stolen travel trailer and golf cart along with two other vehicles. They also found narcotics, a .22-caliber pistol, and several hundred rounds of ammunition.
Bannister was taken to Lake Elsinore station for an interview before being booked into Cois Byrd Detention Center on multiple charges such as possession of a stolen vehicle, perjury, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, narcotic sales, theft with priors, and felony drug violations. The two other individuals present were released after being determined uninvolved.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with further information is urged to contact Deputy Noel at Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 245–3300.
Community members are reminded that “Community Policing” relies on partnerships between law enforcement and residents or business owners who are encouraged to report criminal activities directly to law enforcement by contacting Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776–1099 or calling 911 for emergencies.
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