Beaumont officer-involved shooting leaves wanted felon with critical injuries

A wanted felon was hospitalized with major injuries, and a police investigation was underway early Thursday morning following an overnight officer-involved shooting in Beaumont. 

It started as a police pursuit in Hemet shortly after 7:00 p.m. Wednesday as officers with the City of Hemet and California Highway Patrol officers tried to stop a wanted felon as part of a multi-agency anti-gang unit operation, according to the Riverside County Sheriffs Department.

The driver refused to stop, leading to a chase that lasted two hours.

The pursuit ended around 9:00 p.m. in Beaumont at Veile Avenue and 4th Street. 

Police say the suspect jumped out of the car, ran off, and pulled out a gun near B Street just south of Interstate 10.

That's when the CHP and Hemet police officers reportedly opened fire, according to the Sherriff's Department which is conducting the investigation.

The suspect's name was not released, but the Sherriff's Department statement said he was hospitalized with critical injuries.

The officers who were involved in the altercation have been placed on paid administrative leave, according to standard department policies.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for updates on this breaking news.