Deputy and suspect shot in Thousand Palms, two arrested
Update 10/21/23:
Riverside County Sheriff's Department announced that the driver has now been arrested on three counts of attempted murder of a peace officer for his involvement. That person has been scheduled for court on monday.
The identity of the second suspect, the passenger who remains hospitalized, is not being released at this time.
The deputy involved also remains hospitalized. This is an ongoing investigation, stay with News Channel for the latest developments.
Update 10/19/23:
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco told News Channel 3's Miyoshi Price that the deputy injured in the shooting is in a second surgery.
"He underwent another surgery today he is stable. They believe he's going to make a recovery but he's still in intensive care. But stable," Bianco said.
Bianco said this wasn't the first time the passenger was involved in violent activities. The suspect's identity has not been released but Bianco spoke about the suspect's violent history.
"He has an extensive violent Prison History of thefts and assaults and drugs. He's an evil person that should not be on the streets," Bianco said.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.
Original Report 10/18/23:
A deputy and a suspect were shot in Thousand Palms Wednesday night, the Riverside County Sheriff's Office confirmed.
The incident started at 7:08 pm, according to the agency that said deputies had been called to the area of Ramon Road and Robert Road to locate the suspect of a hit-and-run.
Deputies arrived and made contact with two subjects inside a vehicle.
"While detaining the driver of the vehicle, the passenger fired at deputies, and a deputy-involved shooting occurred," read an RSO news release.
One deputy was struck by gunfire. They were transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery, the sheriff's department confirmed at 11:30 p.m.
#DIS update: Deputy is currently in surgery. Any updates will be posted as soon as they are available.
— Riverside County Sheriff (@RSO) October 19, 2023
#DIS UPDATE: Deputy is in stable condition. Thank you all for your prayers.
— Riverside County Sheriff (@RSO) October 19, 2023
The shooting happened at a business center near Ramon Road and Robert Road near Domino's Pizza and Taqueria San Miguel. The manager of San Miguel told News Channel 3 that police rushed everyone out of the business quickly.
Following the shooting, the suspect barricaded inside the vehicle and refused to follow commands. The Riverside Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau, California Highway Patrol, and additional surrounding agencies responded to assist.
The agency confirmed the suspect was struck by gunfire and taken into custody at around 8:30 p.m.
After the initial shooting, our cameras captured additional shots fired at the scene
The suspect was taken to a hospital, but there was no immediate word on the extent of their injuries. RSO confirmed at 2:30 a.m. that the suspect was stable.
The driver of the suspect vehicle was taken into custody and booked on an outstanding felony warrant.
The involved deputies were placed on paid administrative leave according to department policy, the department confirmed.
The names of the involved deputies will also not be released immediately.
Investigators from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and the California Highway Patrol assigned to the Riverside Sheriff’s Force Investigations Detail were assigned to lead the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this incident was encouraged to contact Riverside County District Attorney Investigator Mario Moreno 951-955-9470 or Riverside County Sheriff’s Master Investigator Martin Alfaro at 760-393-3528.
Witnesses heard shots fired at a shopping center. People lined the street by a nearby Shell gas station as the situation continued to develop.
A Shell station attendant told News Channel 3's Tatum Larsen that he was inside his store when he heard the first shots fired.
"Between 6:30 and 7:00 today that Dominos down there. I heard gunshot, I heard a lot of shots like a machine gun and all of a sudden I came outside and all the cops were rushing right down to that location," said Victor Khouri, a witness.
Ramon Road is shut down from Shelter Road to Thelma Avenue.
Stay with News Channel 3 as we continue to learn more. We'll have the latest live from the scene live at 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on News Channel 3.
