Riverside Police Department Press Release

Assault on Police Results in Shooting
 

Riverside, Ca-  On Saturday May 3, 2003 shortly before 9:00 P.M. a citizen called the California Highway Patrol (CHP) regarding a hit and run traffic collision that had just occurred in the City of Rancho Cucamonga. The citizen followed the suspect vehicle and directed an officer to its location. The officer attempted to stop the car but the male driver, and sole occupant, did not comply. The man fled and drove his black sports utility vehicle erratically at speeds near 100 miles per hour.

Several officers pursued the vehicle as it traveled eastbound on Highway 60 into the City of Riverside. The suspect exited the freeway at Market Street and continued to evade the police. He lost control of the vehicle near Market Street and Redwood Drive where he crashed the vehicle into a sign near the entrance to Fairmount Park.

The officers ordered the suspect from his car but he did not comply. He accelerated backwards toward the officers causing them to fear for their safety. More than one of the officers fired their handguns at the suspect. He sustained a single gunshot wound to his upper torso. The officers immediately rendered medical aid. He was transported to Riverside Community Hospital where he was treated and released. His injuries are non-life threatening.

The suspect was identified as 44 year-old Jesse Sahagun of Moreno Valley. He was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center. He is facing charges of 245(c) Assault With Deadly Weapon on Police Officer, 2800.1 V.C. Felony Evading, 148 P.C. Resisting or Obstructing an Officer, and 20002 V.C. Hit and Run.

No officers were injured during this incident. North and southbound lanes of Market Street were closed throughout the night while investigators processed the scene.

The Riverside Police Department is handling the investigation. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact Detective Rowe at 909-320-8024.