Violent Spree Along 15 Freeway In Riverside, San Diego Counties Ends With Arrest

EASTVALE, CA — An arrest was made following violent incidents on Interstate 15 in Riverside and San Diego counties over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the California Highway Patrol announced Tuesday.

The spree began at approximately 10:40 a.m. Saturday, when CHP officers were called to a crash on the southbound I-15 in Eastvale. The incident had escalated into a violent altercation between the parties involved, leaving one person with "significant injuries" that required hospitalization, according to the CHP.

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The person allegedly responsible for the injury attack fled the scene in a vehicle he carjacked, "leading to a series of criminal acts across multiple jurisdictions. This included another carjacking and multiple assaults with the stolen vehicle," the CHP said.

The violence extended into San Diego County, where the suspect attempted to hit a CHP motorcycle officer with his
vehicle, according to the law enforcement agency.

A chase began, and the Escondido Police Department responded to assist and assumed the pursuit from the CHP. During the chase, the suspect "rammed an innocent motorcyclist, causing his vehicle to crash and become disabled," the CHP reported.

The suspect was ultimately taken into custody Saturday afternoon by the Escondido Police Department. He was identified as Joseph Rene Duarte, 31, of Whittier.

Duarte was booked into Riverside County jail on suspicion of attempted murder, carjacking, multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon, and vehicle theft, the CHP reported.

An active investigation involving multiple agencies was continuing Tuesday. Witnesses to the weekend incidents are encouraged to call the CHP Inland Division Investigative Services Unit at 951-232-3117.