On February 10, 2023, at about 10:16 a.m., two uniformed San Bernardino Police Officers were patrolling the area of Mt Vernon Avenue and 14th Street. Officers started to conduct a traffic stop, however the driver, later identified as Renato Urena, tried to evade officers by driving into opposing oncoming traffic. Moments later, Urena fled from the vehicle as it continued to travel unoccupied northbound in the southbound lanes causing a severe hazard to other drivers in the area. The car came to a stop blocking all southbound lanes of travel, and luckily no one was injured by the reckless behavior.
Urena began to flee on foot through a dirt lot. Officers observed Urena reaching for what they believed to be a gun in his clothing near his waist. He continued to run away as officers yelled numerous commands to show them his hands and stop reaching (for the gun). Urena ran to the side of a fence line, attempting to position himself out of officers' sight. He pulled out a gun while turning toward officers with the gun in his hand. Officers saw that Urena had indeed armed himself with the gun and believed he would start shooting at them. Both officers shot at Urena, and their gunfire struck him.
Medical aid was immediately called, and Urena was transported to a local hospital, where he is in critical condition. Urena was found to be on parole, a known local gang member with a criminal history of felony arrests dating back to 1993. Additionally, Urena's firearm was found in close proximity, loaded with an illegal extended magazine and a bullet in the chamber. Once medically cleared, Urena will face several felony charges. This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the criminal investigation is asked to contact Detective Keith at 909-384-5638.