Three Juveniles Rescued from Drainage Canal 

February 8, 2024 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on February 6, 2024, at 4:21 p.m., deputies from the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to the report of a rescue call near the area of Indian Street and Dracaea Avenue in Moreno Valley. Several 9-1-1 calls were received regarding reports of three juveniles, believed to be 11-13 years old, swept into a nearby water drainage canal. While responding to the scene, deputies learned two of the juveniles were able to pull themselves from the canal and were found safe, but a third juvenile had been swept away by the water further south from the location. Multiple deputies responded to the area and saw the third juvenile clutching a wedge platform near the canal roadway bridge, surrounded by rushing water. Two deputies climbed a chain-link fence, lowered themselves to the wedge platform, and grabbed hold of the juvenile, where they were able to wait for additional resources to assist them. Cal Fire Swift Water Rescue Team and a Riverside County Sheriff’s Office rescue helicopter responded to assist with the safe recovery of the juvenile and both deputies. Medical personnel transported all three juveniles to the hospital out of an abundance of caution, but they are expected to make a full recovery.

The Moreno Valley Station would like to remind the public that this most recent storm brought high levels of water to our community. The storm drains and canals are full of fast-moving water that can be dangerous to play or swim in. Don’t underestimate the power of moving water that can cause injuries and deaths. Please have a conversation with your children about the dangers of swiftly moving water.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Jimmy Leanos of the Moreno Valley Station at (951) 486-6700.

Reporting Deputy: Sergeant David Barr

File # MV240370168

Source: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office