Court Documents Say Dorner May Have Tried To Flee To Mexico
TORRANCE (CBSLA.com) — Federal court records filed Monday indicate that the former LAPD police officer accused of killing three people may have tried to flee to Mexico with the help of a friend.
COMPLETE COVERAGE: SoCal Manhunt
The documents, which include an arrest affidavit, were filed with the US District Court Monday.
"There is probable cause to believe that Dorner has moved and traveled in interstate and foreign commerce from California to Mexico with the intent to avoid prosecution," an investigator with the U.S. Marshals said in the documents.
The records detail the 33-year-old's alleged movements following the murders of Monica Quan and her fiancé, Keith Lawrence on Feb. 3 and Riverside Police Officer Michael Crain on Feb. 7.
Dorner is wanted as a suspect in all three crimes.
Officials say Dorner may have tried to flee to Mexico with the help of an associate, identified only as JY, who lives in the Big Bear area, KNX 1070's John Brooks reports.
Dorner Tijuana
Last week, authorities tracked the associate's movements and surveyed his property, which led to the discovery of Dorner's burned out truck nearby.
New surveillance video obtained by entertainment website TMZ.com Monday allegedly shows Dorner purchasing scuba equipment at the Torrance Sports Chalet, located at 21305 Hawthorne Blvd., just two days before the Irvine murders. The LAPD is examining the footage and have yet to positively identify the suspect.
Police think that equipment was possibly purchased to help in his flight to Mexico.
On Feb. 6, Dorner reportedly tried to steal a boat in the Port of San Diego, but was unsuccessful.
The federal documents also state that on the same day "an agent found Dorner's personal belongings, including his wallet and identification cards, near the US/Mexico border at the San Ysidro point of entry."
The search for the triple murder suspect did extend into Mexico Monday night after a false sighting was reported at the Hotel Tapatio in Tijuna.
U.S. Marshals say there is no further evidence indicating that Dorner is in Mexico.
The LAPD reinstated a modified tactical alert Tuesday morning.
