A confrontation between a suspect and Riverside police officers near downtown led to gunfire and injuries, though the exact circumstances were still unknown Thursday.
The possible officer-involved shooting occurred shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday in the area of University and Kansas avenues, according to reports.
As of Thursday morning, the Riverside Police Department had not yet issued a formal statement, indicating only that there had been “police activity” at the location. However, witnesses told at least one media outlet that a transient jumping on vehicles and engaging in other disorderly acts prompted calls to 911, and a patrol unit arrived moments later.
During officers’ encounter with the suspect, whose identity was not disclosed, there was a struggle, after which witnesses heard gunfire.
One officer was reportedly injured, though not seriously. He was taken to Riverside Community Hospital for treatment. There was no word on the suspect’s condition.
Multiple RPD units converged on the area within minutes of the gunfire. The heavy police presence and a complete closure of University between Kansas and Ottawa avenues lasted until well after midnight Thursday.