A person is in critical condition after they were shot by police in Beaumont Wednesday evening.
The person, whose identity has not been released, was spotted by Riverside County Regional Gang Task Force officers in a car at Whittier Avenue and Girard Street in Hemet at about 7:15 p.m., the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
A “wanted felon possibly armed with a handgun,” the driver then “fled at a high rate of speed,” prompting a pursuit, the release said.
After the pursuit entered Beaumont, the vehicle became disabled at Veile Avenue and Fourth Street, prompting the driver to take off on foot. During that pursuit, the driver “presented a handgun,” causing at least one officer to open fire, officials said.
That person was struck at least once and was taken to a local hospital, where they are in critical condition.
The Hemet Police Department officers and a California Highway Patrol officer who were involved in the shooting have been put on paid administrative leave. Their identities have not been released.
The RCSO is investigating the shooting.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Riverside County Sheriff’s Master Investigator Martin Alfaro or Riverside County District Attorney Investigator JR Ferrer at 951-955-2700.