Originally published as a Riverside Police Department Facebook post –
“Riverside, CA – On Saturday, May 8, 2021 at approximately 8:21 a.m., members of the City of Riverside’s Public Safety Engagement Team (PSET), consisting of Riverside Police, Code Enforcement, and contracted social workers, were in the 3700 block of Elizabeth Street to check on a business area frequented by people experiencing homelessness.
As two police officers assigned to PSET attempted to detain a man at this location, he began walking away. This man then produced a handgun and aimed it toward the officers, prompting an officer involved shooting. He was taken to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
A handgun was located next to the suspect’s body at the scene. Neither of the officers, their civilian team members, or any bystanders sustained injuries.
Investigators with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Force Investigations Detail responded to the scene and assumed this investigation. They are being assisted by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations, Riverside County Sheriff – Coroner’s Office, and the Riverside Police Department’s Robbery – Homicide Unit and Forensics Unit.
The suspect has been identified as Felix Jerry Marquez, a 34-year-old transient from Riverside. A records check determined Mr. Marquez had outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants for his arrest.
The Public Safety Engagement Team was formed in 2019 to maintain order in public places while providing homeless individuals with a pathway out of homelessness. Team members specialize in providing resources and assistance to those experiencing homelessness while also addressing issues of unlawful panhandling, camping, abandoned personal belongings, and vagrancy. This multi-department approach utilizes personnel and resources from the Riverside Police Department, Code Enforcement, Office of Homeless Solutions, Community & Economic Development, Parks, Recreation & Community Services, and contracted social workers from CityNet.
This officer involved shooting investigation is still ongoing and there are no further details to release at this time.”
