Temecula Robbery Suspect Makes Off With Cash, Flees, Then Crashes on I-15

A man suspected of robbing a local business and all of the employees is now hospitalized with major injuries, according to Temecula police.

Riverside County Sheriff's Sgt. Marc Cloutier says the robbery was reported around 9:20 a.m. Wednesday at a business in the 28000 block of Jefferson Avenue, just north of Rancho California Road.

According to the sergeant, the man-- whose identity is not yet being released-- walked into the business, armed with a handgun.

"The male removed a black handgun from his waist and approached several employees and demanded money," Cloutier said.  "Several employees complied and handed the armed male cash and at least one wallet."

The man then took off in a vehicle.  The description of that vehicle was quickly sent out to local authorities, and a Temecula motorcycle cop spotted it soon thereafter, according to Cloutier.

The officer tried to catch up with the suspect, who took off south on Interstate 15.  When he tried to get off the freeway, though, it didn't end well for him.

"The driver attempted to exit the next off ramp, lost control of his vehicle and crashed, ejecting himself in the process," Cloutier said.

The suspect suffered major injuries, and was taken to a local hospital for treatment, according to the sergeant.

"Items taken during the robbery were located in the suspect’s vehicle," he said.  "The suspect will remain in the custody of the Temecula Police Department until his recovery will allow booking."

Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Temecula Police Department at (951) 696-3000, or after hours at (951) 776-1035.