Only in California

On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at approximately 10:26 a.m., Riverside Police Officers assigned to our Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Team conducted an area check along the 6600 block of Palm Avenue for a vehicle that was taken in a carjacking earlier in the day. POP Officers located the carjacked vehicle occupied by a male driver and male passenger in this area. As they began to make an enforcement stop, the driver of the carjacked vehicle failed to pull over and turned into an apartment complex where he continued to the rear of the property. The driver quickly exited the carjacked vehicle holding a handgun. One of the officers fired his duty weapon, striking the driver. The passenger remained in the vehicle and was detained by officers.

Officers assessed the driver’s injuries and summoned medical aid. He was taken to a local hospital where he remains under arrest and in custody while receiving medical care and awaiting transfer to a detention ward at another medical facility.

The driver and carjacking suspect was identified as Eddie Madrigal, 42-years-old from Moreno Valley. Mr. Madrigal is a documented gang member currently on parole for robbery with use of a firearm.