Photo: MARVIN RECINOS/AFP/Getty Images
A Hispanic man was identified this Saturday as the carjacking suspect who was injured in an ongoing shootout with authorities during a dangerous high-speed chase. which traversed several counties in southern California.
According to the authorities, the Hispanic is Benjamín González, 44 years old and a resident of Los Angeles County.
González was injured by gunshots during the chase and was taken to a hospital that is reportedly not life-threatening.
The Corona Police Department said in a statement that González has a violent criminal history.
According to the statement, shortly before 3:00 p.m. Friday, Ontario police notified Corona authorities of the pursuit and hit-and-run that had occurred in the town of Chino.
With the help of an Ontario police helicopter, Corona police officers located the suspect’s car and attempted to stop traffic on Ontario Avenue. However, officers decided not to pursue the alleged thief due to the suspect’s dangerous driving conditions.
Subsequently, a Riverside police helicopter relocated the car and kept track of Gonzalez from the air as he was driving into a parking lot for a Shell gas station in the 1500 block of East Ontario Avenue in Corona.
The alleged thief got out of his vehicle with a rifle and entered the gas station food market. Upon leaving the business, the suspect confronted a Corona resident and stole his truck. During the confrontation, the robber fired the rifle on at least one occasion, without injuring the victim..
The suspect continued his escape attempt on a high-speed chase through Corona and then through Orange and Los Angeles counties for more than an hour.
During the chase, at least three shootings occurred, one of them on the 91 Freeway, near the 55 Freewaywhere the suspect fired shots at the officers.
The chase ended when the suspect crashed into a light pole in Harbor City, Los Angeles.. Moments later, a foot chase ensued involving Corona police officers and Los Angeles County sheriffs.
The subject attempted to steal another vehicle, but was unsuccessful and was subdued by at least six officers and sheriffs who grabbed him and took him to a patrol car.
Anyone with information that may assist in the investigations may contact the Corona Police Department at 951-817-5837.
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