Riverside Police Department Press Release

Felony Assault Suspect Arrested After Police Pursuit
 

Riverside, Ca- On Sunday, November 30, 2003 at about 8:37 AM citizens reported that a male driver was trying to run over pedestrians at the Albertson’s shopping center located on the corner of Trautwein and Van Buren. The citizen reported the license plate and Riverside Police records indicated that the vehicle had been reported stolen earlier in the day.

As marked units arrived in the area, the suspect drove away westbound on Van Buren and failed to yield to pursuing police vehicles. The suspect drove over seven miles on Van Buren Avenue, at times exceeding 70 miles per hour and crossing over into eastbound lanes several times.

The suspect ran through a red light at Indiana Avenue near the 91 freeway and was struck broadside by a vehicle traveling east on Indiana. The suspect was injured and transported to a local hospital after being treated at the scene by Riverside Fire Department personnel. The driver and single passenger in the other vehicle were not injured however both vehicle had to be towed away. There were no other injuries to civilians or involved officers.

Follow up investigation found that the suspect had intentionally driven directly at several pedestrians in the Albertson’s parking lot. One 5 year old girl had to be pulled out of the path of the vehicle by a relative to avoid being run over.

The suspect was identified as:

Jerry James Kuffner, 19 years old
Last known address in Riverside

The suspect was arrested for several counts of attempted murder, felony evading arrest and auto theft. He was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center after being released from treatment for his injuries.