Staff Reports

Inland Empire – In the last month, a few incidents took place in the City of Eastvale and the City of Norco.  The incidents are listed below, courtesy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. 

INCIDENT: Armed Robbery, Attempt Car Jacking Arrest

INCIDENT DATE: November 16, 2020

WHERE: 400 block Hidden Valley Parkway, Norco

On Monday, November 16, 2020 at 8:33 AM, Norco Deputies responded to the 100 block of Hidden Valley Parkway in reference to a reported petty theft from the convenience store.  As deputies searched the area for the suspect, another call for service was dispatched in the 400 block of Hidden Valley Parkway with the same suspect description given. The reporting party stated the suspect had just robbed the convenience store and the two female employees of their belongings. The suspect had taken car keys from one of the female victims by force and was actively trying to steal her vehicle. The suspect inadvertently was trying to steal the wrong vehicle with the keys he had taken from her.

A Norco Deputy arrived on scene and the suspect; later identified as Paul Martinez, 48 years old, of Los Angeles, made eye contact with the deputy and fled on foot from the vehicle. After a foot pursuit of the suspect he was detained without incident. Martinez was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for two counts of Robbery and Attempted Car Jacking.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Deputy Saif Alobaidi at the Norco Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 270-5673.

INCIDENT: Deputy Involved Shooting 

INCIDENT DATE: November 14, 2020

WHERE: 14000 Block of Alpaca Court, City of Eastvale

On Saturday, November 14th, 2020, approximately 2:58 AM, Jurupa Valley Station Deputies were dispatched to the 14000 Block of Alpaca Court, in the City of Eastvale, reference an unknown trouble. Shortly after deputies arrived on scene, they contacted an adult male who was armed with a weapon and threatening the deputies. While waiting for additional units to arrive on scene, the suspect shot multiple rounds at the deputies from the interior of a home. The deputies took cover behind their vehicles, and the suspect continued to shoot at the deputies. At this time, a deputy involved shooting occurred. An officer help call was broadcasted to multiple law enforcement agencies and Chino Police Department, Ontario Police Department, Corona Police Department and Riverside Police Department all responded. Corona Police Department and Ontario Police Department both arrived on scene with armored rescue vehicles and assisted in safely removing our deputies away from the suspects line of fire. Information was received that juveniles were in the home where the suspect was firing from. As an armored rescue vehicle was approaching the residence to safely remove the juveniles, the suspect appeared in the doorway and a second deputy involved shooting occurred.

The suspect, later identified as 43 year old Jose Alfredo Gonzalez, was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for medical treatment of a non-life threatening injury. Three juveniles were removed from the home unharmed. Multiple weapons were located at the scene.

Suspect Gonzalez will be booked into jail for multiple counts of attempted murder on a Peace Officer, three counts of child endangerment, domestic violence and false imprisonment. (Booking photo is unavailable at this time)

The deputies involved will be placed on administrative leave per Department policy. The involved deputies’ names will not be released at this time. 

An Investigator from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office will lead this investigation, aided by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Force Investigations Detail and Central Homicide Unit. This is an active and on-going investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact Investigator Dickey at (951) 955-2777 or Investigator Del Haro at (951) 955-5400.

INCIDENT: Vehicle Pursuit / Stolen Vehicle Arrest

INCIDENT DATE: November 10, 2020

WHERE: Hamner Ave. and 6th Street, Norco

On November 10, 2020 about 3:36 PM, a Deputy assigned to the Norco Station observed a reported stolen vehicle in the area of Hamner and 6th Street, Norco. An enforcement stop was attempted and the occupant of the vehicle failed to stop and attempted to evade. A pursuit was initiated and continued on 6th Street in which the suspect exited the stolen vehicle at the dead end near Pikes Peak and attempted to flee on foot. The suspect who was later identified as George Michael Mendoza, was detained without incident.

George Michael Mendoza a 29 year old, resident of the city of Jurupa Valley, was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for Possession of Stolen Vehicle, Vehicle Theft, Felony Evading, Violation of Probation, Violation of Parole, and and an outstanding Felony Warrant.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Deputy A. Lucifora at the Norco Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 270-5673.