Police apprehend man with rifle after vehicle pursuit

Police vehicles are seen in a field east of Lindenberger Road at the end of the chase of a motorist with a rifle. Photo by Jessica LeBrescu

Sheriff's deputies apprehended a man who allegedly brandished a rifle at another motorist after a traffic collision, resulting in a short police chase Friday afternoon, according to authorities.

Another motorist reported about 1:22 p.m. that the suspect, whose identity has not been released, collided with his vehicle near Highway 74 and Ethanac Road, according to Deputy Christopher Willison. After brandishing the rifle at the other driver, the suspect left the area and responding officers located him, attempting to conduct a traffic stop.

The driver failed to yield, resulting in a police pursuit.

According to a witness who contacted Menifee 24/7, a man fleeing from police in a pickup truck drove off Linderberger Road onto dirt trails south of Simpson Road and ran before being apprehended by police. Willison confirmed that after the vehicle stopped, the driver exited the vehicle with the rifle and ran from officers. He threw the rifle aside before being caught by officers.

There were no injuries to anyone involved. No details about charges against the suspect have been released. Nearby Heritage High School was briefly placed on "hold and secure" as a precaution because of the police activity in the area.