Police confirm that suspect died in deputy-involved shooting

The 215 Freeway was closed near Ethanac Road during the investigation of a deputy-involved shooting. (Photo: Sheriff's Department)

The suspect in an hours-long police chase through Southwest Riverside County died in a deputy-involved shooting on the 215 Freeway just south of Ethanac Road Tuesday, authorities said.

The suspect, who has not been identified, was armed and wanted for assault with a deadly weapon in Ventura County, according to a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department news release. He was spotted on the 15 Freeway in Lake Elsinore about 4:40 p.m. by Border Patrol agents working routine patrol in unmarked patrol vehicles.

Agents attempted to take the man into custody when he pulled off the freeway and into a gas station, but the suspect drove his vehicle toward the agents, struck two Border Patrol vehicles and fled the area. Border Patrol requested assistance from the Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies located the suspect about 4:50 p.m. in Temecula and attempted a vehicle stop, but the suspect again fled at a high rate of speed. The pursuit went through areas of Temecula and Menifee and onto the 215 Freeway, with the suspect traveling both north and south, at times driving into oncoming traffic.

Eventually, the suspect vehicle came to a stop near the center median of the northbound 215 Freeway south of Ethanac Road. He fled on foot, jumped over the center median and ran into the southbound freeway lanes, armed with a handgun. At that time, a deputy-involved shooting occurred.

Deputies rendered medical aid and the suspect was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries.

No deputies were injured and there are no outstanding suspects. The involved deputies were placed on administrative leave per department policy. No other details about the shooting were released.

A section of the 215 Freeway was closed until 3 a.m. during the investigation, causing massive traffic jams both on the freeway and adjacent surface streets. Some motorists reported sitting in freeway traffic for two hours to move about one mile.

The Menifee Police Department was not involved in the pursuit but assisted with traffic control on streets in its jurisdiction, Captain Dave Gutierrez said.

The investigation of this case is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact District Attorney Investigator Munoz at 951-955-2777 or Investigator Gomez at 951-955-2777.