Suspected DUI Driver Allegedly Drives Toward Cop During Attempted Stop

PERRIS (CBSLA.com) — A suspected drunken driver has been arrested after allegedly driving towards an officer during an attempted stop in Perris.

The incident on the 3000 Block of Barrett Avenue occurred about 1:36 a.m. Saturday.

It began when the officer -- a member of the Perris Police Department -- attempted to stop a Cadillac CTS.

As the officer walked toward the vehicle, a department statement issued by Perris police says the driver allegedly put the car in reverse and accelerated toward the officer, prompting the cop to open fire.

"The officer was able to move out of the path of the vehicle as it struck the officer's patrol car," the statement said.

The suspect, identified by authorities as 30-year-old Arnulfo Ochoa of Perris, allegedly fled but was arrested shortly after.

He was taken to an area hospital after complaining of pain but was not struck by the gunfire.

No further information was immediately available.

The officer was placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard department policy.

Anyone with more information about this case is asked to contact investigators Lester Harvey at the Riverside Sheriff's Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777 or William Davis at the Perris Police Department at (951) 210-1000.

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