Hemet Police Chase Suspect Accused Of Pulling Gun On Deputies Before Being Shot

BANNING, CA — Felony charges are expected to be filed Thursday against a parolee accused of fleeing from sheriff's deputies and later pulling a gun on them in Hemet, prompting the law enforcement officers to shoot him, inflicting a minor wound.

Juan Francisco Inzunza, 37, was arrested Sunday on suspicion of attempted murder of a peace officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm, reckless driving and parole violations. He's being held without bail at the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside.

According to Riverside County sheriff's officials, at about 2 a.m. Sunday, the convicted felon was driving a red Ford Mustang through the intersection of Cottonwood Avenue and State Street in San Jacinto when he allegedly made several erratic maneuvers that got the attention of a deputy on patrol who thought the driver may be under the influence.

"The officer witnessed erratic driving actions, and suspected the driver may be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs," Deputy Mike Vasquez said in a news release. "The driver failed to yield, and a vehicle pursuit ensued."

He said that the ex-con fled towards Hemet and stopped minutes later at Florida Avenue and Warren Road, where two of the Mustang's three occupants emerged with their hands up, complying with deputies' commands. The third person, Inzuna, apparently did not comply.

"Both passengers exited the vehicle without incident; however, the adult male driver pointed a handgun at the officers while exiting the vehicle and an officer involved shooting occurred," Vasquez said.

The suspect suffered a non-life-threatening wound and was treated at a hospital, after which he was booked into jail, according to sheriff's officials. No deputies were injured.

According to court records, Inzunza has prior convictions for gun assault, reckless discharge of a firearm and driving under the influence.

— City News Service contributed to this report / Image via Riverside County Sheriff's Department