Suspect Still in ICU After Shooting
An Ontario man remained in intensive care at UCI Medical Center in Orange on Monday after being shot by a California Highway Patrol officer who had responded to a report of a man beating passengers in his car on the shoulder of the Orange Freeway just north of Brea.
Richard Todd Arnold, 24, was shot at least once in the stomach by CHP Officer Theresa Simmons about 9:10 p.m. Saturday, CHP Santa Fe Springs office Capt. Edward Lafond said Monday.
Simmons was dispatched to the northbound lanes north of Tonner Canyon Road after two witnesses stopped at a call box and reported that a man was assaulting two passengers in his car.
When Simmons arrived, Arnold got out of his car, at first tried to flee and then turned and “attempted to go ahead and jump her,” Lafond said. Simmons, who became a Highway Patrol officer eight months ago, then drew her gun and shot Arnold, he said.
Arnold was taken to UCI Medical Center and is reported to be in fair and stable condition.
Authorities said the passengers had escaped from Arnold’s car unhurt before Simmons arrived on the scene.
The Sheriff’s Department is investigating.
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