On January 19 at approximately 6:07 p.m., a Temecula Police Officer assigned to the Promenade Mall was alerted to a burglary suspect attempting to flee from Sears Loss Prevention employees and Promenade Mall security officers.

The suspect was identified as Cruz Rangel, 24, of San Jacinto.

Rangel was in possession of property he was suspected of stealing from the Sears Department Store.

The Temecula Police Officer contacted Rangel, who refused to comply with the officer’s commands.

Rangel advanced on the officer, who discharged his Taser at him in an attempt to subdue and detain him.  The Taser was ineffective on Rangel, who fled on foot.

Rangel led the initial officer, and other responding Temecula Police Officers and Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputies, on a foot chase throughout the surrounding mall parking lot.

During the course of the foot chase, a Temecula Police Officer was injured and required medical treatment.  The injured officer was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.  He is expected to recover from his injuries.

Rangel was eventually apprehended, with the assistance of a citizen bystander, and taken into custody by Temecula Police Officers.

Rangel was booked at the Southwest Detention Center for commercial burglary, felony resisting arrest, and possession of stolen property.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Officer Ochoa at 951-696-3000.

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Friday, January 20, 2012

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