UPDATED: Deputies Fatally Wound Suspect In Lake Elsinore

UPDATED JAN 17: A man who police describe as possibly armed was shot and killed by deputies in Lake Elsinore Thursday night.

The incident began shortly before 6 p.m. when officers from the Lake Elsinore Police Department received a call about an assault with a deadly weapon. The suspect vehicle was described as a gold colored Ford Crown Victoria and included a partial license plate. 

Nearly two hours later, an officer with the Lake Elsinore Police Department spotted a car matching the description parked at Tom's Burgers on Dexter Avenue.

Backup deputies arrived at the scene and police say they ordered the suspect, who was behind the wheel, to get out of the car. 

"The suspect ignored the officer’s commands and started the vehicle," according to a report from sheriff's Deputy Albert Martinez. "The officers asked the suspect to turn off the engine and the suspect refused to comply." 

Martinez reported the suspect then shifted the car into reverse, backing up toward the officers. 

"As an officer was attempting to move out of the path, the suspect’s vehicle ran over his foot," Martinez reported. 
 
Four officers then fired on the suspect, an adult male, who died at the scene, Martinez said. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

There was a female passenger inside the car but she was not injured, Martinez continued. 

"She was questioned and released," he added.

Investigators from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station and the Riverside County Sheriff's Department Central Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation that lasted into the morning hours. 

The one officer was treated for his injury, but there were no reports of other injuries. 

All officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave per department policy and the investigation is continuing.


ORIGINAL POST JAN. 16: A police investigation that has been ongoing in Lake Elsinore Thursday night is believed to be a shooting, although police have not confirmed details at press time.

Tom's Burgers at 18492 Dexter Avenue was surrounded by patrol cars and roped off by police tape through much of Thursday night and the street was closed to thru traffic near the restaurant's driveway. As part of the large-scale investigation, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department homicide and forensic teams were present.

Deputies said there is no risk to the public.

Rumors have been spreading online about what may have happened, but police would not confirm or deny any reports. Instead, they said investigators were getting set to convene a debriefing and details would be released to the public and reporters shortly.

Clerks at two nearby gas stations said they did not see or hear anything pertaining to the incident, although one clerk said she was told that a suspect was shot by police.

Check back for updates.