An off-duty Huntington Park Police Officer shot and wounded two men who authorities said threatened him in the parking lot of a Chino Hills Shopping Center on Thursday night.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the Shoppes at Chino Hills at 7:52 p.m. on a report of shots fired. When they arrived, they found two with gunshot wounds. Both were treated at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton.
According to witnesses, the whole thing started with a road rage incident on the southbound 71 Freeway. Authorities did not detail what started the fight on the freeway but said the unnamed officer exited at Grand Avenue and pulled into the parking lot at The Shoppes at Chino Hills. The other vehicle also entered the parking lot.
Both vehicles parked near the Dripp coffee house and everyone got out, investigators said. The officer told officials that four people riding in the other vehicle moved toward him and two appeared to have weapons, officials said.
The victim, armed with a gun, fired several shots striking two of the suspects, officials said. The injured suspects ran a short distance and collapsed while the other two reportedly ran from the scene. They were found and taken into custody a short distance from the center.
Investigators said they found an 8-inch knife and a can of pepper spray in the area where the incident took place.
Sheriff’s Specialized Investigators from the Homicide Detail have been asked to conduct the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and no further details were released.
Investigators ask anyone with information on the shooting to call Detective Matt Peterson or Sergeant Jon Billings at (909) 387-3598, at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Detail. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at (800) 782-7463.
On an important side note, the Founder of Dripp issued a statement immediately following the shooting regarding customer safety:
Dear Customers and Friends,
The event that happened in the parking lot at the Shoppes at Chino Hills this evening, occurred outside of Dripp. Sometimes the news broadcasts assumptions and interesting stories before facts and truth have been collected. Our wonderful Baristas made great decisions to lock up and protect the customers inside.
We pray for all and wish peace and happiness.
Sincerely,
Rabih Sater
Founder
Dripp
