Even if rogue ex-LAPD cop and triple homicide suspect Christopher Jordan Dorner is long gone from San Bernardino County, his alleged killing spree has left a mark on the communities of Redlands, Yucaipa and Beaumont.
The uniformed Riverside police officer shot and killed by a suspect believed to be Dorner early Feb. 7 was identified Sunday as Michael Crain, 34, a Redlands High graduate who attended Crafton Hills College and lived in Beaumont.
Crain, an 11-year veteran of the Riverside Police Department and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was ambushed by Dorner while on routine patrol, about 1:35 a.m. Thursday at Arlington and Magnolia in Riverside, police said. His partner was also shot and wounded in the assault.
Riverside police withheld Crain's name until Sunday out of concern for his family's safety. Dorner has pledged to target police officers and their families.
Memorials and tributes for Crain were already in several locations before he was identified by police on Sunday.
"Blessed are the peace makers for they will be called the children of god," read a card on a bouquet of fresh flowers at northeast corner of Arlington and Magnolia.
"Praying for our Riverside Police," a hand-written sign stated on the southwest corner of the same intersection. "We love all officers serving, wounded, and killed."
"You will never be forgotten," a note scrawled on a candle read at a memorial for fallen officers outside Riverside police headquarters on Orange Street in downtown Riverside. "Thank for protecting our community. RIP."
The funeral service for Crain is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Feb. 13, at The Grove Community Church in Riverside. Crain will be interred at Riverside National Cemetery.
The Riverside Police Officers Association issued a statement Sunday:
"We would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support during this difficult time. Should you wish to make a donation for the victim's family. Donations can be made to the "Officer and Family Assistance Fund" via the Riverside Police Officers' Association, 1965 Chicago Ave Suite B, Riverside, CA 92507, Phone (951) 784-1034 www.rpoa.org."
Earlier Sunday, a search for Dorner in the Big Bear area with a contingent of about two dozen officers continued on the ground with a helicopter crew in support, Cindy Bachman of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said in a statement.
As the number of unsearched cabins, rentals and unoccupied/vacation homes has decreased in the Big Bear area, personnel and resources have been scaled back, Bachman said.
"Although there have been no reported sightings and officers have found no new evidence that points to a location in the Big Bear area, the Sheriff's Department remains committed to the public's safety," Bachman said.
The search for Dorner in the San Bernardino Mountains began Thursday when his burned-out pickup was found on a forest road in the Big Bear Lake area.
Rifles, a camping stove, a cot and propane gas supplies were found inside the burned-out truck, and one of its axles may have broken before it burned, according to law enforcement sources cited in multiple news reports Saturday.
Dorner, a military-trained marksman believed in possession of assault weapons, is accused of killing Crain on Feb. 7, and a former LAPD captain's daughter and her fiancé in Irvine on Feb. 3.
Anyone with info about Dorner and his whereabouts was urged to call 911. A $1 million award was offered Feb. 10 for information leading to his capture and conviction.
Related News:
- Funeral Service Information for Slain Riverside Police Officer Mike Crain
- $1 Million Reward Offered For Dorner's Capture
- LAPD Chief Beck's Full Statement on Reviewing Dorner's Termination Case
- MANHUNT: Search For Rogue Former Cop Continues
- DORNER MANHUNT: Armed Deputies Vigilant on Snowbound Mountain Roads
- Winter Storm Warning for Mountains Where Dorner Search is Under Way
- DORNER MANIFESTO: Rogue Officer Posted His Plan for 'Last Resort' Online
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