Police fired a single shot at a robbery suspect armed with a rifle in Moreno Valley late Monday night.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Moreno Valley police were invetiating a robbery when they spotted possible suspects near Edgemont Street and Bay Avenue.

The driver led police on a short chase before stopping briefly in the 21000 block of Brill Road.

A rifle-toting passenger — later identified as Gregory Jackson, 18, of Moreno Valley –  ran from the car. Jackson allegedly ignored orders to surrender and turned toward a pursuing officer while holding the rifle. The officer, a nine-year veteran, fired once but did not hit Jackson. After a continued foot pursuit, Jackson was taken into custody of the 21000 block of Cottonwood Avenue.

Jackson was booked for assault with a firearm on a peace officer.

The officer who fired was put on administrative leave, as per department policy.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call Investigator Ed Rose at (951) 955-2777 or Investigator Jason Corey at (951) 486-6700.

– posted at 1:25 p.m. by Cathy Maestri

Tuesday, May 13, 2008