A pursuit in Hemet ended with an exchange of gunfire early Monday, police shot the suspect and he was hospitalized, a Hemet PD lieutenant said in a statement.
A Hemet police officer tried to make a traffic stop on for a vehicle code violation at 2:36 a.m. Jan. 27Β the area of Devonshire Avenue and Mayflower Street, Hemet police Lt. Eric Dickson said.
"The vehicleΒ failed to stop and accelerated away west on Devonshire Ave. to south on Girard St.," Dickson said.Β "A pursuit wasΒ initiated and the suspect driver led officers on a chase through residential streets of southern Hemet atΒ speeds reaching 75 MPH."
TheΒ suspect driver lost control of his vehicle in the area of Johnston Avenue and York Street, and hisΒ vehicle became disabled, Dickson said.
"As the officers approached the vehicle there was an exchange of gunfire andΒ
the suspect was wounded," Dickson said. "After the shooting, the suspect continued to resist the officersβ attempts toΒ provide medical aid and arrest him. However, after a brief standoff he was taken into custody."
TheΒ suspect, identified asΒ Rafael Rodriguez Diaz, 26, of Homeland,Β was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment, Dickson said.
The suspect was still being treated as of Monday afternoon and his injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, Dickson said.
"There are no other suspects outstanding and no police officers were injured," Dickson said.
Diaz was expected to be booked on suspicion of felony evasion, attempted murder on a police officer, and being aΒ felon in possession of a firearm, Dickson said.Β He also had warrants for felony evasion, being aΒ felon in possession of a firearm, and a parole violation, according toΒ Dickson.
Anyone with more info was urged to call Hemet police at (951) 765-2400 or anonymously atΒ (866) 640-TIPS (8477).
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