Five people were arrested and a deputy was injured when a brawl broke out Saturday at a Temecula-area winery, authorities said.
Deputies responded at about 2:44 p.m. Saturday to Bel Vino Winery, 33515 Rancho California Road, in Temecula Wine Country when a "large-scale disturbance...involving approximately 100 people," was reported, according to Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. Steve Fredericks.
"Due to the potential size of the incident, additional officers from the Temecula Police Department and a Riverside Sheriff's helicopter responded to assist," Fredericks said Monday in a news release.
"Deputies arrived within minutes and immediately observed a large, unruly crowd of winery patrons, some suffering from obvious injuries, gathered in the parking lot and driveway in front of the business," Fredericks said.
It took numerous deputies and officers plus the sheriff's helicopter crew, which landed to assist, to disperse "a large crowd of intoxicated patrons" and provide security while the initial report of assault was investigated, Fredericks said.
Most of the customers at the winery had arrived in tour buses, the sergeant said, and were allowed to leave in the buses once it was confirmed the drivers were not under the influence of alcohol.
Witnesses pointed deputies to two women—Alexis Montufar, 21, of Lakewood, and her sister, Crystal Montufar, 26, of San Diego—who were allegedly involved in the initial assault disturbance, according to the sergeant.
"When deputies tried to contact the suspects, the two women attempted to escape and were assisted by family members and winery patrons who physically obstructed and then assaulted the deputies," Fredericks said.
The family members and a friend who allegedly obstructed and assaulted the deputies were identified as Carlos Montufar, 45, and Narra Montufar, 42, both of San Diego, and William Andrews, 28, of England, who was at the winery as a guest of the family, Fredericks said.
Narra Montufar was arrested on suspicion of felony battery on a peace officer and public intoxication; William Andrews was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a peace officer and public intoxication; Alexis and Crystal Montufar were both arrested for alleged battery and public intoxication; and Carlos Montufar was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a peace officer and public intoxication, according to Fredericks.
All were booked at Southwest Detention Center near Murrieta.
One deputy who was moderately injured during the incident was treated at a local hospital and released later that day, Fredericks said.
Anyone with additional information regarding the incident was encouraged to contact Deputy Rhodes at the Southwest Sheriff's Station by calling 951-696-3000.
