A police pursuit following an attempted assault ended in a multi-vehicle crash and a major freeway closure on Interstate 215 in Menifee on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident began around 1:30 p.m. when the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (RSO) initiated a pursuit of a suspect reportedly involved in an assault with a deadly weapon attempt involving a vehicle versus a pedestrian.
According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) logs, the suspect vehicle fled northbound on I-215, approaching Newport Road. Minutes later, the suspect vehicle was involved in a major traffic collision with two other vehicles just north of McCall Boulevard.
Deputies reported that the suspect was detained on the southbound side of the freeway following the crash. A K-9 unit was deployed, and reports indicate the suspect sustained injuries and was bleeding.
The collision and subsequent police activity forced a complete closure of the freeway at approximately 1:55 p.m., causing significant traffic backups. Approximately 10 RSO vehicles were on the scene, completely blocking the roadway.
The Menifee Police Department assisted by diverting traffic off the freeway at McCall Boulevard. A SigAlert was issued due to the heavy congestion and blocked lanes.
Emergency crews requested tow trucks for three vehicles involved in the collision. By 2:32 p.m., CHP reported that a full closure was no longer in effect and the #3 lane had reopened, though traffic remained slow in the area.
Further details regarding the condition of the other drivers involved or the specific charges facing the suspect were not immediately
