A man shot by Riverside police has been arrested on charges of grand theft auto, possession of a controlled substance and assault with a deadly weapon after he allegedly used a stolen car as a weapon against an officer.
Joseph Mango, 24, was shot Monday about 10:20 p.m. as he tried to back the car out of a motel parking lot. Two officers had approached Mango, who was sitting in the parked car with Melissa Martinez, 22, at a Motel 6 in the 3600 block of La Sierra Avenue, said Riverside Police Sgt. Derwin Hudson
When officers asked Mango to shut off the engine, he refused and tried to get away. He put the car into reverse, almost pinning one officer to a parked minivan, authorities said.
Both officers opened fire, hitting Mango in the upper torso. Martinez was unhurt.
Mango was taken to the hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries before being arrested.
“It was an intentional act to try to pin the officer between his vehicle and the minivan,” Hudson said.
Martinez was charged with possession of stolen property. Riverside police are investigating the shooting.
— Tony Barboza