Two men accused of opening fire on a person who escaped injury in Banning, then leading police on a chase that ended with a crash, pleaded not guilty Monday to attempted murder charges.
Jimmy Favela, 35, and Michael Mariscal, 19, are accused of approaching the victim in a vehicle, then opening fire around noon Nov. 15 in the 300 block of Roberge Avenue.
The intended target was not struck by the gunfire and was able to flee and call police, according to the Banning Police Department. Police did not release the victim’s name, or say why the person was targeted.
With a suspect and vehicle description provided by witnesses, officers spotted the suspects in a car just west of the shooting scene, in the 400 block of Grove Avenue, around 1 p.m., with Mariscal behind the wheel, according to the Banning Police Department.
The driver sped away when officers approached, triggering a short pursuit that ended when he crashed the vehicle in the 2200 block of West Wilson Street.
Mariscal was arrested at the crash scene. Favela ran away but was quickly apprehended by pursuing officers. Neither suspect was injured in the crash.
Police said Mariscal was found in possession of a loaded handgun, and a second loaded handgun was found inside the vehicle.
In addition to attempted murder and firearm possession charges, Mariscal is charged with evading arrest.
Both men are due back in court Jan. 14 for a felony settlement conference.