Police seek help in locating suspect in Wildomar assault

Sheriff's detectives are asking the public's help in locating a Lake Elsinore man identified as the suspect in an officer-involved shooting Tuesday in Wildomar.

Joe Sanchez, 35, attempted to assault a deputy with a vehicle as the deputy was conducting an investigation on a stolen vehicle in the 33700 block of Orange Street in Wildomar, according to a news release. The incident occurred at 10:28 a.m. The suspect fled in a white single-cab dually pickup truck, possibly a late 1990s or early 2000s Ford, authorities said.

The deputy fired at the suspect as he fled and it is not known whether the suspect was struck by gunfire. The deputy was not injured and has been placed on administrative leave, per department policy.

Sanchez has made a statement that he will be shot by a cop before going back to prison, according to police. Anyone encountering Sanchez is asked not to approach him but to contact Investigator Dickey at 951-955-0896 or Riverside Sheriff's Dispatch at 951-776-1099, Option 5.