PERRIS, CA — An armed suspect suffering from a mental episode was shot by deputies Monday in Perris after brandishing a handgun at them and was hospitalized in critical condition.
Deputies assigned to the Perris Sheriff’s Station were dispatched at approximately 2:54 p.m. Monday to the 5000 block of Western Way regarding an armed man experiencing a mental health crisis, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
A vehicle description was given by a witness, who advised deputies that the suspect was driving to the location armed with a handgun, authorities said.
The responding deputies searched the area and located the vehicle matching the description traveling northbound on Interstate 215 near Placentia Avenue.
During an attempted traffic stop, the driver failed to yield, and a pursuit began, sheriff’s officials said.
The pursuit ended after the responding deputies, with assistance from the Riverside Sheriff’s K-9 Unit, deployed a grappler in the area of Harvill and Oleander avenues.
“As deputies gave commands to the male, he produced a handgun, and a deputy-involved shooting occurred,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
The suspect was given medical assistance by the responding deputies until the arrival of paramedics after sustaining injuries consistent with a gunshot wound.
He was later taken to a hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.
Sheriff’s officials said his name will not be released while they continue investigating.
No deputies were injured during the shooting.
The deputies involved in the shooting were placed on paid administrative leave according to the department’s policy, sheriff’s officials said.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Force Investigation Detail has assumed the investigation into the shooting. Anyone with information regarding the case was urged to call Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Senior Investigator James Ferrer or Riverside County Sheriff’s Master Investigator Dan Moody at 951-955-2777.