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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I wonder if he initiated force against any non-violent "offenders" that the politicians declared should be thrown in prison.
what pray tel makes their action a crime? the illegal immigrants (campesinas) in the truck refused the officers hand signals to stop the vehicle –not a wise move during heighten alert sanford, tell us about the run-ins you've had with the police -that should explain the hostility you have toward them
As for my criminal record, its spotless. Other than 2 speeding tickets I rightfully deserved, I have had no run ins with law enforcement. I actually respect police officers and understand they have a brutally tough job. But they sign up for it, they dont have to do it. If they cant control themselves in a hostile situation, then they should not be on the job. There are plenty of security jobs for guys who cant control themselves. But cops with itchy trigger fingers going around shooting up innocent people is a crime against society. These dudes should be in jail for their actions in Torrance. People should not have to fear the police, but I will never roll thru Torrance ever again, clearly those good ole boys can't control themselves...
***have you ever tried to correctly identify a moving vehicle when it's dark outside? don't be a fool "Are you F'ng kidding me?" ***watch your language "I dont care what the circumstances are and their immigrant status is irrelevant. Its okay to shoot them because they are illegal newspaper deliverers?" ***you're missing the point. these backward uneducated people (campesinas) flood our cities and know nothing about laws to obey especially police commands "...but I will never roll thru Torrance ever again" ***your choice. i'll have you note torrance is one of the safest cities near l.a. and is surrounded by pockets of ghetto. i'll take police mistakes any day over police inactivity i.e. south central l.a., compton, pacoima etc. ***it would appear you have issues with authority
desertpatriot, seriously making excuses for them.....wow!!
To the family of Michael Crain: I'm so sorry for your loss. I pray you find comfort and peace, and always remember the happy memories.
@ Desertpatriot - if you can't avoid shooting up innocent victims, then you should be in jail. I notice you had nothing to say about the white dude who got his car totaled and shot up by police in Torrance while he was driving to the beach with a surfboard in the back of his truck. Was he just some meaningless, law breaking illegal too?
Here you go dude... You can continue to question my allegiance, or in your opinion my lack thereof, to law enforcement. I will continue to point out the lawlessness of cowboy cops with itchy trigger fingers. You can read the comments by the local residents as well. I dont see how this LAX baggage handler provoked these "professionals" but maybe you do. You're correct about one thing, and that is that I don't have the responsibility of patrolling the deadly of streets of LA or some of its rougher surrounding communities. But shooting up innocent people because you think they might be Dorner, just doesn't make sense to me. IMO, these cops should be in jail for attempted murder, or at the very least removed from the force and never be allowed to legally carry a hand gun again. They seem to have abused that constitutionally guaranteed right, assuming they are relegated to the low level of American citizenry like the rest of us...
Interesting how you are wired. I would seriously doubt you would pass the rigorous background and psychological tests to be an officer in even Mayberry. Dorner tricked his screeners into believing he was normal. But his in the field experience quickly showed he was incompetent and had issues with tactics, integrity and even his racial composition. Maybe you should take a ride with a police officer in a Black and White and learn a scintilla of truth about the job they do. Most cops are sincerely appreciated. In South Central, they are very appreciated because of the small number of crooks who terrorize the neighborhood. Being a police officer is a commendable profession.