City of Corona
Home MenuCARJACKING LEADS TO OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTINGS
On March 3, 2023, the Corona Police Department responded to a violent crime incident that began in Chino and ended in Los Angeles County.
For Immediate Release
March 4, 2023
Case # 23-015838
CARJACKING LEADS TO OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTINGS
CORONA, CA–On March 3, 2023, at approximately 2:59 P.M., the Corona Police Department was notified by the Ontario Police Department about a pursuit and hit-and-run incident that occurred in Chino. With the assistance of the Ontario Police Department helicopter, Corona police officers located the suspect vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Ontario Avenue in Corona. However, due to the suspect's dangerous driving and traffic conditions, officers did not pursue the vehicle.
The Riverside Police Department’s helicopter arrived and maintained observation of the suspect as he drove into the Shell gas station parking lot at 1550 East Ontario Avenue, Corona. The suspect exited his vehicle with a rifle and entered the gas station’s food mart. Upon exiting the food mart, the suspect confronted a 37-year-old male Corona resident and carjacked his pickup truck. The suspect fired at least one rifle round during the confrontation. The victim was not injured.
The suspect then led police officers on a pursuit through Corona and then into Orange and Los Angeles Counties. The pursuit ultimately concluded in the City of Los Angeles, with the truck colliding into a light pole rendering it inoperable. A short foot pursuit ensued after the collision with members of the Corona Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department apprehending the suspect.
Multiple officer-involved shootings occurred during the incident in various locations in Orange and Los Angeles Counties. No officers or civilians were injured by gunfire. The suspect, Benjamin Gonzalez, a 44-year-old male from Los Angeles County with a violent criminal history, was injured by gunfire and transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Corona Police Department's Critical Incident Team is currently investigating the incident, in collaboration with the involved allied agencies.
The police department is asking anyone with additional information regarding this incident to call (951) 817-5837.
About the City of Corona: Corona is located adjacent to Orange County, California, at the junction of the 91 and 15 freeways, with a population of more than 160,000 residents. For more information regarding the City of Corona, visit www.CoronaCA.gov.
Media Contact
Sergeant Jason Waldon | Public Information Officer
951-279-3584 | Jason.Waldon@CoronaCA.gov
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