POMONA : 3rd Suspect Identified in Shooting of Officer

Pomona police have identified Jose Valencia, 20, of Santa Ana as the third suspect sought in the wounding of a police officer and subsequent chase across four counties two weeks ago.

Capt. Chuck Heilman said Valencia is believed to be one of three men who forced their way into a Pomona house and were robbing the residents when police arrived. One suspect was captured at the scene, but the others escaped in a station wagon after shooting Officer Roger Mathews.

The robbers fled onto the San Bernardino Freeway, shooting at pursuing police before leaving the freeway at Vineyard Avenue in Ontario and abandoning their car. One of the suspects commandeered a truck and forced the owner, Bob Moxley, to lead police on a 50-mile chase.

At the end of the chase in Santa Ana, Regino Deharo, 21, of Santa Ana, surrendered. Heilman said police have now identified Valencia as the man they believe escaped in a second truck and are asking the public’s help in finding him. He is described as 5-foot-8, Latino, 135 pounds with gang tattoos on both arms. Heilman said that anyone with information should call their local police, Detectives Ray Guenther or Danny Kono, or the watch commander at the Pomona Police Department, (909) 620-2151.