Manhunt For 'Armed, Dangerous' Suspect Continues In Riverside County

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Nearly one week has gone by since a suspect escaped capture after allegedly firing on a deputy in Jurupa Valley. On Monday, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department released the identity and photos of the man they are seeking, calling him "armed and dangerous."

Martin Perez Jr., 30, is sought in connection with the alleged attempted homicide. He is described as Hispanic, about 5-feet-11-inches tall, weighing about 260 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. The sheriff's department released two images (see above) of Perez depicting him with different haircuts. His last known address was in San Bernardino.

Shortly after 6 p.m. May 14, a Riverside County motor deputy tried to make a traffic stop on Perez at Wineville and Limonite avenues in Jurupa Valley. Perez would not pull over and instead drove onto a dirt access road adjacent to 68th Street, west of Pats Ranch Road, firing at the pursuing deputy, according to the sheriff's department.

At some point, Perez abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot. He was last seen entering a dense foliage area near the Santa Ana river bottom in Jurupa Valley.

During the manhunt, the sheriff's department asked the public to avoid the neighborhood.

"Please stay clear of the area," the sheriff's office asked. "The suspect is currently outstanding. Apprehension efforts are underway."

Perez was not found.

The deputy who was involved in the incident was unhurt.

Anyone with information about Perez's whereabouts is asked to contact the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station Investigations Bureau at 951-955-2654.