Deputies Fatally Shoot Armed Hit-And-Run-Suspect In RivCo, Authorities Say

SAN JACINTO, CA — Authorities Saturday were investigating the death of a man who was killed by deputy gunfire in San Jacinto after an alleged hit-and-run crash.

Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department's San Jacinto station responded to a report of a collision near the intersection of Esplanade and San Jacinto avenues around 4:10 p.m. Friday.

Upon arrival, they learned that the driver of one of the involved vehicles had fled the area, authorities said.

A description of the suspect was obtained and deputies began searching the area. The suspect was later located in the 2000 block of San Jacinto Avenue, where deputies attempted to take him into custody, but the suspect failed to comply with commands and produced a firearm, according to the sheriff's department.

The suspect was struck by deputy gunfire at that point, and deputies rendered medical aid until paramedics arrived, but the suspected was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash was taken to a hospital and had stable vital signs, sheriff's officials said.

The suspect's identity and the identity of the deputies involved were withheld.

"The deputies involved in the shooting will be placed on paid administrative leave according to department policy," the sheriff's department announced.

The sheriff's Force Investigation Detail assumed the investigation.

Anyone with additional information about the case was encouraged to contact Riverside District Attorney Senior Investigator Ivan Ostarcevic or Master Investigator Rick Ramirez at 951-955-2777.

— City News Service