Man dies during shootout with Lake Elsinore officers

RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF'S PRESS RELEASE - On January 16, 2014, at approximately 5:57 P.M. officers from the Lake Elsinore Police Department investigated an assault with a deadly weapon call. The investigation identified a suspect and a vehicle. The vehicle was described as a gold-colored Ford Crown Victoria and included a partial license plate.

At 7:50 P.M. an officer from the Lake Elsinore Police Department observed a vehicle matching the suspect's vehicle description, parked at a business located in the 18400 block of Dexter Avenue, Lake Elsinore. The officer called for backup and once additional officers arrived they made contact with the suspect.

Several commands to exit the vehicle were given to the suspect. The suspect ignored the officers' commands and started the vehicle. The officers asked the suspect to turn off the engine and the suspect refused to comply. The suspect then shifted his vehicle in reverse, backing up towards the officers. As an officer was attempting to move out of the path, the suspect's vehicle ran over his foot.

As a result of the driver's actions, an officer involved shooting occurred. Four officers discharged their weapons during the incident.

The suspect died at the scene. The name of the decedent is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

There was a female passenger inside the vehicle; she was not injured during the incident. She was questioned and released.

Investigators from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station and the Riverside County Sheriff's Department Central Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation. One officer was injured and treated for the injuries. No other officers were injured during the incident. The involved officers have been placed on paid administrative leave per department policy.

The investigation is continuing and there is no additional information available for release at this time. Anyone who may have information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Investigator Cole at the Riverside Sheriff's Central Homicide Unit, 951-955-2777 or Investigator Schell at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station, 951-245-3300.