Two Wounded by Gunfire in Arlanza Neighborhood

Riverside, Ca- On February 24, 2006, at 8:44 PM, Riverside Police Dispatch received several calls of shots heard in the area of the 6600 Block of Geranium. As Officers were responding, a report of shooting victims in a car at Arlington and Van Buren was received. The victims had driven from the shooting scene to the supermarket at that intersection. Inside the car, officers found two occupants who had been shot and a passenger who was not injured. The car had several bullet holes in it.

The driver of the car was Juan Patlan, 20 Years Old, of Rubidoux. He was struck in the torso. The injured passenger was Crystal Theobald, 24 Years Old, of Riverside. She was struck in the head. Mr. Patlan was treated and released from Riverside Community Hospital. Ms. Theobald was admitted and is in very serious condition.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were driving on Geranium when someone outside of the car, possibly a passenger of another car, fired a gun at them several times, hitting the car and victims. The motive for the shooting is not known at this time and the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information regarding this shooting is urged to call Detective Rick Wheeler at 951-320-8003 or Detective Rick Cobb at 951-320-8034.