California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers fatally shot a man in San Jacinto on Monday afternoon after he reportedly threw rocks at passing vehicles. The incident unfolded around 4:48 p.m. near Gilman Springs Road, east of State Route 79, prompting multiple calls to law enforcement about the man’s erratic behavior.
Upon arrival, CHP officers encountered the suspect, who continued to hurl rocks, this time targeting the officers directly. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation using verbal commands and non-lethal methods, the suspect advanced toward the officers, leading them to discharge their firearms.
CHP spokesperson Jonathan Torres indicated that officers had other options available, such as tasers or bean bag rounds, but it remains unclear which methods were utilized before the shooting occurred. No weapons were found at the scene following the incident.
After the shooting, officers provided immediate medical assistance to the man until emergency medical personnel arrived. Unfortunately, Cal Fire later pronounced him dead at the scene.
Fortunately, the officers involved in the incident were uninjured. The Riverside County Force Investigation Detail is currently conducting an investigation into the shooting to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
CHP is urging anyone with additional information to contact Torres at (951) 846-5300 or after hours at (916) 407-7511. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with individuals exhibiting unpredictable and potentially dangerous behavior.