Suspect in Menifee Burglary Pointed Gun at Officer, Police Say

The Menifee Police Department today provided additional and clarifying information on Saturday's officer-involved shooting during a residential burglary in the Quail Valley section of Menifee.

According to the updated police report, an officer responding to the report of a burglary in progress in the 23000 block of Norma Drive located the suspect walking away from the residence. The officer attempted to contact the suspect, who was holding a metal pipe, but the suspect refused to comply. The officer ordered the suspect to drop the pipe. The suspect dropped the pipe and then removed a handgun from his waist band, pointing it at the officer.

The officer then shot and wounded the suspect, who fled on foot for a short distance before getting into a Chevrolet Pickup and fleeing at a high rate of speed, police said.

Additional units responding to the scene located the vehicle and began a vehicle pursuit, which continued southbound on Interstate 15. The California Highway Patrol took over the pursuit and continued into San Diego County until the vehicle became disabled at Interstate 15 and Deer Springs Road.

The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Joshua Gauthier of Menifee, was taken into custody without incident and later charged with attempted burglary, felony evading a peace officer, brandishing a handgun, stalking and vandalism. Gauthier was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. According to police records, he is in custody in the jail ward of the Riverside County Regional Medical Center in Moreno Valley. Bail has been set at $100,000.

No officers were injured and per department policy, the involved officer will be placed on paid administrative leave.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Investigator Gomez at the Riverside Sheriff's Central Homicide Unit at 760-393-3500 or Investigator Salisbury with the Menifee Police Department 951-210-1000.