Police Shoot, Wound Child Molestation Suspect in Irvine

An investigation into an officer-involved shooting that wounded a man at an Irvine apartment complex Tuesday continued into the night.

Detectives with the Irvine police department arrived at the Doria Apartments at the 1100 block of Crested Bird at about 10:40 a.m. to serve a search warrant on a man they were investigating for lewd conduct with a minor, according to police.

When they arrived, they made contact with the man police later identified as Ronald Williams, 35, of Irvine. That is when officers fired shots at Williams, who was injured and transported a local hospital.

Williams was alert and responsive when he was transported, according to police.

The shooting happened near the leasing office, where several people were filling out lease applications, including Cindee Jackson.

"As I sat down to fill out paperwork, another applicant came in running and yelling," she said, describing what she heard from another woman. "'There's a man with a rifle outside shooting!'"

Police could not confirm anyone had a rifle, but they did confirm a handgun was recovered at the scene.

"They did contact the suspect in the parking area adjacent to the the leasing office at which time an officer involved shooting occurred," said Lt. Julia Engen of the Irvine police department. "An officer will draw a weapon if they feel their life or life of another is in imminent danger."

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A construction worker who only gave his first name said he heard three shots.

"Police told the guy in the white car to stop," said the worker, "Moses."

Williams, the suspect, was later arrested on suspicion of lewd conduct with a minor. He had previously served time for sale and possession of marijuana, according to a search NBC 4 conducted on his criminal history.
 

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