A man was shot and wounded by Riverside police officers early Monday when he allegedly tried to run over them in a stolen car.
The shooting happened shortly after midnight in the area of Main and Spruce streets, according to Riverside police Sgt. Troy Banks. He said the 24-year-old suspect was spotted on Orange Street, near Spruce, driving a vehicle reported stolen over the weekend, and patrol units signaled the suspect to stop, but he "accelerated away and a pursuit began."
The driver, identifed by police as Ryan Rodriguez, lost control moments later, skidding off the road at Main and Spruce, according to Banks.
"The officers gave numerous commands to the driver to exit the vehicle, but the driver accelerated in reverse towards the officers and an officer- involved shooting occurred," the sergeant said.
Rodriguez was hit but continued west on Spruce. He crashed again on Northbend Street, getting out of the vehicle and running, Banks said.
The suspect allegedly jumped into a car parked behind a house and attempted to hide there until officers located him a few minutes later.
Banks said Rodriguez was arrested and transported to Riverside Community Hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The suspect was expected to be booked later today into the Robert Presley Jail on suspicion of vehicle theft and assault on a peace officer.
