Temecula Man Connected To Missing Person Killed Himself During Standoff: Sheriff

TEMECULA, CA — A man whom investigators sought for questioning in the disappearance of a North San Diego County resident killed himself during a standoff Thursday afternoon in a parking lot near Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, authorities said.

Frank Torres, 61, of Pauma Valley was reported missing Tuesday after family members and friends were unable to find him at home or elsewhere, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Authorities said 66-year-old Derek R. Arnett of Temecula was a person of interest in connection with Torres' disappearance.

During their investigation, authorities located Torres' vehicle abandoned near a park in Temecula. Investigators from the Central Homicide Unit got involved in after they were notified about the vehicle.

For reasons not disclosed, detectives turned their attention to Arnett and initiated a search to detain him for questioning, authorities said.

On Wednesday morning, Arnett's vehicle was seen traveling through the intersection of Wolf Valley Road and Wolf Valley Creek Drive, and he was followed by authorities into a parking lot near Pechanga Parkway in Temecula, where he parked, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Believing Arnett may have a weapon, the sheriff's emergency services team responded to the scene. When deputies reached Arnett, they saw he sustained injuries consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

Deputies attempted lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived. Arnett was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Authorities said Torres' whereabouts still remain unknown.

The investigation was ongoing Thursday. Anyone with information was asked to contact Riverside County Sheriff's Department at 951-955-2777.

Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts can get help by calling 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Calls are routed to the nearest crisis center in a national network, where callers receive crisis counseling and mental health referrals.

City News Service contributed to this report.