PRESS RELEASE

On Friday, October 22, 2021, at about 12:29 a.m., after observing a vehicle code violation, an officer from the Rialto Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a Chevrolet pick-up truck in the 100 Block of N. Encina Ave.  During the initial contact, the suspect (driver) exited the vehicle, ignored the officer’s commands to stop and fled on foot as the officer attempted to detain him.  The suspect refused to comply with the officer's commands and physically resisted as he returned to the pick-up truck.  The suspect started the pick-up truck and a struggle continued as the officer attempted to take the suspect into custody. 

A second Rialto Police officer arrived to assist, as the primary officer was struggling to take the suspect into custody at the open driver’s door.  The suspect began driving away as the primary officer was still struggling with the suspect.  The primary officer was able to break free from the vehicle avoiding injury, at which time the suspect used the pick-up truck as a weapon attempting to hit the officers.  An officer fired several shots and the suspect was struck by gunfire.  The driver continued traveling over a chain link fence and collided into a house.  No one was injured inside the home, but the house was damaged.    

Officers immediately rendered medical aid to the suspect and he was subsequently transported to a local trauma center, where he remains in critical condition.  

As protocol, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.  The Rialto Police Department is conducting an administrative investigation.  The officers’ names will not be released at this time. 

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

San Bernardino County Sheriff Department’s Specialized Investigations Division,

Detective Mauricio Rivas or Sergeant Joseph Steers at (909) 387-3589

Refer to case #602100210 H#2021-134
 

Captain Anthony Vega

Rialto Police Department