RivCo Deputy Shoots Armed Suspect Near Hemet 7-Eleven Gas Station

HEMET, CA — A Riverside County Sheriff's deputy filling up at a Hemet gas station shot at an armed suspect overnight Tuesday, according to the department in a recent news release. The deputy was not hurt in the incident, and the suspect was given medical aid at the scene before being taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital.

The extent of the suspect's injuries was not immediately apparent. According to California Highway Patrol, State Route 74 was shut down to traffic for several hours during the following investigation.

Just before 10:45 p.m., the on-duty deputy was pumping gas into his vehicle at the Meridian Street and Florida Avenue gas station when he was alerted to an armed suspect on the nearby sidewalk, Sgt. Deirdre Vickers said.

The deputy gave the suspect commands. However, the person continued to manipulate the weapon, and the shooting occurred, according to Vickers.

Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department medics responded to the scene at a 7-Eleven, according to a department spokesperson. One person was transported in unknown condition, they said.

"The involved deputy was placed on paid administrative leave, according to department policy, and the name will not be released at this time," she said.

The Riverside County District Attorney's Office and the California Highway Patrol will investigate.

"Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact California Highway Patrol Investigator Steven Cuevas or Riverside County Sheriff's Master Investigator James Dickey at 951-955-2777."