Hammer-Wielding Suspect Shot By RivCo Deputy: Sheriff

JURUPA VALLEY, CA — Riverside County Sheriff's Department deputies reported shooting a suspect early Monday morning, after a man allegedly threatened officers with a hammer.

Just after 4:15 a.m., officers arrived in the 6000 block of Collins Street after witnesses said a woman was screaming. Officers located a man who allegedly threatened a deputy with a hammer. He was fatally shot after failing to drop the hammer, according to Sgt. Robert Martinez.

"Upon arrival, the deputy encountered a man in the street who advanced toward the deputy, swinging a hammer," Martinez said. "The deputy gave the suspect commands to drop the hammer, but he failed to comply ... (and) continued to advance on the deputy while swinging the hammer, and a deputy- involved shooting occurred."

The deputy wasn't injured, and the man's identity was not disclosed, according to Martinez.

Paramedics reached the location a short time later and rendered aid until the suspect was transported to a regional trauma center, where he was pronounced dead on arrival, Martinez said.

It was unclear why the man was allegedly armed with a hammer, and the woman who was heard screaming has not been identified or located.

The deputy was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Riverside District Attorney Senior Investigator Eric Crosson or Riverside County Sheriff’s Master Investigator Victor Magana at (951) 955–2777.