Photo: Javier Martinez
RIVERSIDE – Two schools were locked down when a tow-truck driver was shot by a suspect who immediately fled in their direction. Calls of “Shots fired during a physical altercation” gave quick dispatch by Riverside Police Officers to the 3700 block of Bandini Avenue on October 7th, around 1:10 PM.
Arriving officers encountered a male adult suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, near a tow truck. Responding Paramedics with the Riverside Fire Department pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.
Nearly fifteen minutes later, the suspect was apprehended several blocks away by officers as he fled on foot.
Preliminary reports described a call for tow service by the suspect at his location. Once the victim placed the suspect’s vehicle on the flatbed-style tow truck, the suspect commenced an altercation.
A firearm was produced, the suspect shot the victim, then fled. The proximity of the two schools required lockdown protocols – left in place until the suspect, Javier Martinez (32) of Landers, was safely taken into custody.
“Detectives with the Robbery – Homicide Unit, along with Specialists from the Forensics Unit, responded and assumed the investigation,” said Officer Ryan J. Railsback. “They are being assisted by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office. Members of the Riverside Police Department’s K-9 Team with their bloodhound and ordinance detection dogs also assisted with evidence searches.”
The shooter was arrested and later booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for murder, with no bail.
The victim’s identity is anonymous for now, pending the Coroner’s investigation and notification of next of kin.
The investigation is ongoing. You are urged to contact either Detective Adrian Tillett – (951) 353-7105/via email at atillett@riversideca.gov, or Detective Karla Beler – (951) 353-7138/via email at kbeler@riversideca.gov. To remain anonymous, email rpdtips@riversideca.gov or submit info via the RPD mobile app “Submit a Tip” feature while referencing report number 190029061.
