The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has released body camera footage from a deputy-involved shooting that took place in Temecula in early January. The video shows the intense moments leading up to the shooting of 33-year-old Christian Alejandro Rodriguez, who was later hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been booked into jail.
Incident Overview
- Location: 32200 block of Cask Lane, Temecula, CA
- Date: Early January 2025
- Responding Officers: Two deputies from the Southwest Sheriff’s Station
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched just before 6 p.m. in response to a family disturbance.
911 Call Details:
- A resident reported an unwelcome family member had broken into the home while his wife and son were inside.
- The suspect, believed to be under the influence of drugs, had smashed car windows and was setting a vehicle on fire outside.
What Happened at the Scene?
Bodycam Footage Shows:
- Deputies arriving to find a burning vehicle with Rodriguez sitting inside.
- Rodriguez shouting threats, saying he was going to shoot and kill the deputies.
- Deputies repeatedly ordering Rodriguez to exit the vehicle—but he refused.
- Rodriguez throwing a metal object at the deputies, prompting the officer-involved shooting.
Sheriff Chad Bianco’s Statement:
“The suspect yelled at the deputies saying he was going to shoot them and kill them.”
Aftermath of the Shooting
- Rodriguez was struck by gunfire and taken to a nearby hospital, where he was treated and later discharged.
- He was booked into jail following his release from medical care.
- No deputies or bystanders were injured during the incident.
- Deputies involved in the shooting were placed on paid administrative leave, per department policy.
Ongoing Investigation
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Force Investigations Detail are actively investigating the shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at (951) 955-2777.
