Officer Involved Shooting Victim in Irvine Suspected of Earlier Riverside Carjacking: Update

IRVINE, CA —A man who was reported as "running in lanes" on the northbound Santa Ana freeway in Irvine and was later struck by a vehicle, shot by a CHP officer and succumbed to his injuries was also involved in a Riverside carjacking earlier in the day.

On Monday, at just before 7 p.m. California Highway Patrol dispatchers received multiple 911 calls regarding a pedestrian walking in the freeway lanes on I-5 northbound, in Irvine's Barranca Parkway area.

"The pedestrian was described as a Hispanic male adult approximately 25 years of age," CHP information officer Paul Fox said in a statement. "The pedestrian crossed the center divider and onto the southbound lanes."

Reports stated that the individual, identified by Orange County Coroner as Mauricio Barron of Riverside, was running in traffic lanes, behaving erratically and attempting to jump in front of vehicles.

"Eventually he was struck by a vehicle being driven in the #1 lane of I-5 southbound," Fox stated. "After being struck, he was able to reach the right shoulder of I-5 southbound."

As the responding officer arrived on scene, Barron told the officer he had a gun. He ignored several commands by the officer not to reach for a weapon, according to CHP report.

"(Barron) advanced on the officer, and assumed a shooting stance," Fox wrote. "At that time an officer- involved shooting occurred and the pedestrian was taken into custody."

The officer immediately began CPR and lifesaving efforts, according to Fox.

Barron was transported to Orange County Global Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries. The officer involved in the incident was not injured, according to CHP.

Earlier the same day, at just before 11:45 a.m. Riverside Area CHP officers reported investigating a carjacking involving a suspect who was being driven to Loma Linda Hospital by his friend.

"The suspect produced a butcher knife and threatened the driver," Fox reported. "Fearing for his life, the victim/friend pulled to the center divider and ran to the right shoulder."

The suspect then fled in the victim’s vehicle.

"It was reported to CHP investigators that the suspect had been acting abnormally for the last two days," Fox stated. "It is believed the suspect from this incident is the pedestrian with whom an officer-involved shooting occurred later in the day."

Was this a case of suicide by police officer? CHP investigators believe the answer is yes.

"At this stage of the investigation, we believe the pedestrian was trying to take his own life and, after being struck by a vehicle presented himself in a manner to the officer to intentionally force the officer to shoot at him.," Fox said.

An autopsy is pending to determine the cause of death.

The I-5 southbound freeway was closed until 2:50 a.m. on October 11. This incident is being investigated by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

Investigators from the California Highway Patrol are conducting a separate administrative inquiry. As of 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, witnesses of the incident were being sought by the District Attorney's Office.

"We are asking for the public’s assistance," Fox said. "If you were a witness to this incident please contact the Orange County District Attorney at (714) 834-3600."