At least one Riverside County sheriff’s deputy opened fire on a suspect Friday near in Whitewater.
It was unclear if the suspect survived the shooting, which was reported at 8:47 a.m. near Whitewater Cutoff and Whitewater Canyon Road, according to sheriff’s Sgt. Deanna Pecoraro. It was also unclear what prompted the shooting.
No deputies were injured, the sergeant said.
The investigation forced the closure of the entire westbound side of Interstate 10 east of Whitewater Canyon Road, according to Caltrans.
Westbound vehicles were being diverted off I-10 at the Whitewater Canyon Road off-ramp, where the vehicles were being allowed to return the interstate, according to the California Highway Patrol.
A duration for the closure was not provided.
Authorities urged motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes if possible.