A man armed with what appeared to be an AR-15-style weapon was shot by police officers yesterday when he tailgated a squad car into Rialto police station and aimed the rifle at an officer.
Shocking footage emerged of the moment the man, driving a Dodge Charger, followed closely behind a cop car as it drove into the California police HQ’s secure parking lot at around 4:30pm.
Rifle in hand, the unnamed man promptly exited his vehicle and galloped towards the squad car, sidling up to the driver’s side window.
Moments later, he backed away from the vehicle and trained his rifle towards the officer who fired several shots as he exited the police car, crumpling the assailant to the floor.
The unnamed assailant is pictured training his weapon on a cop car after tailgating it into a restricted parking area
The man crumples to the floor after being shot several times by the officer exiting his vehicle
This image provided by Rialto Police Department shows the AR-15 style weapon carried by the assailant. The station did not specify whether it was a real weapon or an airsoft replica
Upon hearing the shots, a flood of officers poured out of the station with their weapons drawn and trained on the assailant.
The unidentified man sustained several gunshot wounds and was transferred to a local hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.
Officers referred to the weapon held by the man as an ‘AR-15 type weapon’ but did not specify the model, nor whether it was a real gun or an airsoft replica.
Police are investigating the man’s motive, but believe it was likely a targeted attack.
Rialto police chief Mark Kling said the assailant entered the secure parking area of the police station despite the lot being clearly marked as restricted.
Police chief Mark Kling told reporters the assailant followed the police vehicle into the station’s restricted car park
Upon hearing the shots, a flood of officers poured out of the station with their weapons drawn and trained on the assailant
‘There are two signs on either side of the gate that clearly say: ”Do not enter, police vehicles only”.
‘With the gate open, the police officer drove his vehicle into the secure parking area and was immediately followed by a black Dodge Charger.
‘The suspect who followed the officer immediately exited his vehicle armed with an AR-15-type weapon,’ Kling said.
The police chief went on to explain the assailant backed away from the cop car with his weapon trained on the officer, before confirming an ‘officer-involved shooting’ occurred.
‘The suspect was shot multiple times, he fell to the ground and responding officers then arrived in the parking area.
‘The suspect was handcuffed, taken into custody and was then treated by the Rialto fire department paramedics.’
Kling concluded: ‘We do not have a motive, we haven’t been able to talk with him at this point – the suspect is actually in stable condition at a local trauma center.
‘We’re hoping through our investigation we will be able to determine what his motive is.’