A tense Monday afternoon in Perris ended with a deputy-involved shooting after a short pursuit involving an armed suspect, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies from the Perris Sheriff’s Station were first called around 2:55 p.m. to the 5000 block of Western Way following reports of a man allegedly armed with a handgun and experiencing a mental health crisis. Authorities said the caller provided a description of both the suspect and the vehicle he was driving.
While searching the area, deputies located a vehicle matching that description near the northbound Interstate 215 Freeway and Placentia Avenue. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver refused to pull over, leading to a pursuit.
The chase came to an end near Harvill Avenue and Oleander Avenue after a K9 unit used a grappler device—designed to safely disable fleeing vehicles. Officials said that after the vehicle stopped, deputies issued commands to the suspect. During that interaction, the man allegedly produced a handgun, prompting at least one deputy to open fire.
The suspect was struck and transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition. No deputies or bystanders were injured.
As per department protocol, the involved deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues. Authorities say more details will be released once the ongoing review is complete.
