Car passenger fatally shot by Riverside police; driver arrested

A passenger in a crashed car found by Riverside police was shot and killed by officers after allegedly pointing a gun at them, authorities said Wednesday.

The driver, Clifton Carl Chapple, 21, of Riverside, was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of hit-and-run and driving under the influence.

Police noticed the crashed car about 11 p.m. Tuesday as it blocked part of Van Buren Boulevard off Route 91, officials said. In addition, the officer saw the passenger leave the car.

Witnesses soon informed police the passenger had a gun, and more officers were sent to the scene, said Lt. Guy Toussaint of the Riverside Police Department.

The passenger initially began running from police and raised a gun when he was intercepted by more officers, Toussaint said.

Toussaint said there was gunfire, but he could not confirm whether the passenger fired any shots.

The passenger’s identity had not been released by the Riverside County coroner.

Chapple is believed to have been involved in a hit-and-run accident that occurred earlier on Route 91.

The California Highway Patrol Riverside office could not be reached for comment.

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emily.foxhall@latimes.com