Crash Victim Found Shot Near March Air Reserve Base

MORENO VALLEY, CA — A motorist involved in a two-vehicle collision Tuesday near March Air Reserve Base in Moreno Valley was found mortally wounded from a gunshot, but it was unclear whether the shooting occurred just before or after the crash.

The wreck was reported at 8:12 a.m. Tuesday in the area of Z Street and Riverside Drive, just east of the air base, according to the California Highway Patrol and Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The agencies split jurisdiction for the investigation, with CHP officers handling the collision and deputies assuming control of the probe into why the man was shot, CHP Officer Javier Navarro told City News Service.

He said a CHP unit was sent to the intersection after witnesses reported the crash, at which point both motorists — who were the only parties in their respective vehicles — were found injured. One of the motorists was confirmed to have been struck by gunfire.

"There was a gun in the car," Navarro said.

Deputies arrived moments later and attempted to figure out what had transpired, sheriff's Sgt. Robert Martinez said.

The individuals, neither of whom was identified, were taken to Riverside University Medical Center on the north end of the city for treatment.

The gunshot victim was pronounced dead on arrival, according to Martinez. The condition of the man in the other vehicle could not be confirmed Tuesday afternoon.

Central Homicide Unit detectives were working to sort out the details.

Anyone with information relevant to the investigation was asked to contact the unit at 951-955-2777.