Police Chase, Violent Standoff Ends In Fatal Shooting Of Murder Suspect In Richmond
RICHMOND (CBS SF) -- A murder suspect who led police on a wild pursuit through the East Bay died in an officer-involved shooting late Thursday night after he rammed a patrol car on a Richmond street, injuring two officers, authorities said.
The incident began with a 911 call to Oakland Police around 6:45 p.m. reporting a female victim being abandoned on the side of the road in the area of Pinehurst Road and Skyline Boulevard in unincorporated Contra Costa County. At the time, the incident was believed to be related to a Vallejo police investigation.
Due to the location of the incident Oakland police, Moraga police and the Contra Costa County Sheriff's office responded to the remote, rural area along the border of Alameda and Contra Costa counties. A witness provided a description of the suspect's white van involved and a search was launched.
Responding officers located the van and attempted to pull it over, but the male driver did not stop and a pursuit ensued. After initially heading into Oakland jurisdiction, the chase moved onto the freeway and into Richmond. During the pursuit, officers could see the suspect -- 24-year-old Vallejo resident Juan Ayon-Barraza -- was armed with a handgun as he was driving at high speeds.
Police said the suspect vehicle exited the freeway and drove through Richmond city streets to the area of South 37th Street and Stege Avenue. While making a U-turn on South 37th Street at Carlson Boulevard, police said the suspect pointed his firearm at pursuing officers.
Multiple Oakland police officers and a Richmond police officer simultaneously fired their weapons in self defense. The suspect vehicle crossed over into traffic on S. 37th Street near Stege Avenue and collided with an Oakland police vehicle.
Two Oakland police officers suffered moderate injuries in the collision. One officer was treated and released, while the other officer remains in a local hospital. The suspect sustained a fatal gunshot wound during this incident and was pronounced deceased at the scene. A female victim in the suspect vehicle sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The female victim is currently listed in critical condition and is on life support.
The investigation was ongoing n involving multiple agencies including Oakland Police Department, Richmond Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Moraga Police Department, Contra Costa Sheriff's Department, and Contra Costa District Attorney's Office.
Anyone with additional information regarding the investigation please contact the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office at 925-957-2200 or Sergeant Pomeroy with the Richmond Police Department at 510-620-6616.
