Cortez was arrested near here
LOS ANGELES — 26-year-old Richard Refugio Cortez faces some serious charges and the possibility of life in prison after a two-day incident in which he fired a gun at a motorist and police officers.
On January 10th, Cortez shot at a motorcyclist as he drove alongside of him. The victim attempted to run away, and Cortez got out of his car and shot again.
Then, on January 11th, an El Monte police officer attempted to pull Cortez over for a vehicle code violation. Cortez did not stop.
During the high-speed chase that ensued on the 60 freeway, Cortez fired a shot at the officer that caused damage to the patrol car and a second patrol car as well.
Once the car chase ended, Cortez fled on foot, briefly, before being arrested.
He faces two charges each of attempted murder of a peace officer and assault on a peace officer with a semiautomatic firearm, and one count of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and fleeing from a peace officer.
