TRAFFIC STOP UNCOVERS IMPERSONATION OF POLICE

Published: 09/23/2026

TRAFFIC STOP UNCOVERS IMPERSONATION OF POLICE

RIVERSIDE, CA - On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Riverside Police officers conducted a traffic stop near Magnolia Avenue and McKinley Street for vehicle code violations. The vehicle, an all-black Ford Explorer, had been equipped with lights and sirens similar to those used on marked police vehicles. During the investigation, the driver was identified as 29-year-old Bryan Rodriguez Villarreal of Corona.

Officers developed additional information and a probation search was conducted at Villarreal's residence in the City of Corona. With assistance from the Riverside Police Department's Post-Release Accountability and Compliance Team (PAC Team), during the search, officers located four assault rifles, five handguns, more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition, and high-capacity magazines.

The investigation also determined Villarreal's brother was involved in assisting with criminal activity. He was identified as 30-year-old Alejandro Padilla Villareal.

Both suspects were on probation at the time of their arrests and were booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on numerous charges. Both were also placed on probation holds.

Based on the investigation, officers believe the Ford Explorer may have been used to conduct illegal activity and impersonate police in the area of the Magnolia Corridor.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Officer K. Swift at [email protected] or Officer I. Santos at [email protected].