Suspect shoots at CHP officer; no injuries

Riverside, Ca- A suspect opened fire on a California Highway Patrol officer during a routine traffic stop in the 3400-block Mono Ave. in the city of Riverside, near the Riverside Plaza shopping center. The CHP officer was not injured. The suspect, Carols Javier GARCIA, 26, of Riverside, is under arrest.

Riverside Police Department Dispatch received citizen calls reporting shots fired at 6:30 p.m. A female CHP officer was relaying vehicle license information on a green Toyota Corolla when the driver of the Toyota got out of his vehicle and fired approximately nine rifle shots at the CHP vehicle, striking it several times – including twice in the windshield center, once through the grille and once through the right headlight. The suspect driver returned to his vehicle and fled. The CHP officer was able to pursue for a short period before radiator damage disabled her vehicle at the Riverside Plaza.

The suspect vehicle was spotted a short time later by a University of California-Riverside (UCR) Police Officer who followed the vehicle onto the 60 freeway eastbound, awaiting back-up by additional Riverside Police, UCR Police and CHP units. A short pursuit began near the Day Street exit; the suspect turned around, heading westbound on Hwy. 60, where he pulled over and surrendered without further incident. He was placed under arrest at 7:12 p.m., on charges of attempted murder of a peace officer.

At this time, the weapon has not been recovered. It is described as a long rifle, possibly assault-type. Riverside Police investigators are searching for the weapon. If found, the weapon should not be touched or moved. Contact Riverside Police at (951) 787-7911. The investigation continues. Anyone with information helpful to this investigation is urged to call Detective Steve Shumway at (951) 353-7138 or Detective Mike Medici at (951) 353-7134.