California suspect armed with ‘assault rifle,’ body armor killed after opening fire on deputies
Authorities in California responded to a domestic situation that turned deadly when a suspect armed with an assault rifle and wearing body armor opened fire on deputies. The incident occurred on Tuesday night in Hemet, Riverside County.
Deputies from the Hemet Sheriff’s Station were called to a residence on Jepson Court after reports of a physical altercation between family members. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the suspect at the front door. However, the suspect was uncooperative and fired at the officers from inside the house.
Sergeant Wenndy Brito-Gonzalez of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office stated that the suspect then emerged from the residence, still armed with the assault rifle, and fired at the deputies once again. In response, at least one deputy returned fire, striking the suspect.
Despite immediate medical aid provided by deputies at the scene, the suspect was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The identity of the suspect has not been released, and the name of the deputy involved in the shooting has also been withheld.
Fortunately, no deputies were injured during the incident. The adult female victim involved in the initial altercation sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the scene.
As per department policy, the involved deputy will be placed on paid administrative leave. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, assigned to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Force Investigations Detail, will lead the ongoing investigation into the deputy-involved shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and contact Riverside County District Attorney Investigator Mario Moreno or Riverside County Sheriff’s Master Investigator Martin Alfaro.
Incidents like these serve as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily. As investigations continue to unfold, our thoughts are with the deputies involved, the victim, and all those affected by this tragic event.
