(USNewsMag.com) – Two people were killed after a police pursuit that ended with an officer-involved shooting in California.
According to the Ontario Police Department, the incident began at 10 a.m. on May 5th, when the police received a call for a disturbance on West Maple Street. The caller reported that his sister’s ex-boyfriend, Orlando Roman, 39, from San Bernardino, was armed and threatening to enter their home if his sister did not come outside. According to the caller, the ex-boyfriend allegedly had threatened his sister with a gun before, adding that there had been many instances of domestic violence in the relationship.
Officers arriving at the scene found Roman sitting in his car. However, when officers told him to surrender, Roman, who had an outstanding warrant, fled the scene after replying that he would not surrender because he did not want to go back to jail.
He led officers on a pursuit, driving the wrong way on the highway and through the streets of Ontario, where he eventually caused a collision involving three vehicles. The collision caused Roman to flee from his car while carrying a firearm in his hand. Roman attempted to carjack another vehicle before he allegedly began shooting at officers and was struck when the officers returned fire. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital. According to police, a firearm was recovered from the scene.
The drivers of the cars Roman collided with during the pursuit were transported to a local hospital. One of the drivers was released with minor injuries. However, Amanda Powers, 44, of Ontario, succumbed to her injuries.
According to Roman’s sister, Fabiola Montes, he had been struggling with mental issues and “was trying to get help.” However, she noted that it was not “professional help,” adding that she thought his “going to church was helping him.”
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office and the Ontario Police Department are investigating the officer-involved shooting.
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