Police pursuit ends with forceful arrest in Riverside County neighborhood

A police pursuit that began in Colton on Saturday morning ended dramatically in a Redlands residential neighborhood, where officers forcefully arrested a driver after a nearly 50-minute chase, authorities said.

A video recorded by a freelance photographer shows officers taking down the driver before placing him under arrest near the corner of University Street and Lalania Avenue.

The pursuit ended after police said the driver, identified as Matthew Rodriguez, acted erratically during the chase. Officers arrested him shortly after the confrontation.

Footage of the arrest shows three Colton police officers surrounding a man who appears to be partially inside the driver’s seat of a car. One officer is seen observing while another restrains the man. A third officer strikes him with a baton. Moments later, that same officer appears to knee him while the other two officers continue holding the man down.

“While officers were attempting to place Rodriguez under arrest, Rodriguez actively resisted. Officers deployed their TASER, which was ineffective, causing officers to use alternative force options, including the use of a baton, punches, and knee strikes,” said the Colton Police Department in a statement.

Neighbors who witnessed the incident said the scene was unusual for the area.

“I’ve never really seen something like this,” said neighbor Cyrus Kazemi.

Albert Aguilar, another resident, said incidents like the pursuit rarely happen in the neighborhood.

“That kind of stuff doesn’t happen here. Up on the freeway, maybe, but not here. It’s unusual,” Aguilar said.

Colton police said the pursuit began around 11 a.m. near North Grand Avenue and West Olive Street when officers attempted to stop a red Honda Civic. Authorities said Rodriguez failed to stop, leading officers on a pursuit that lasted about 50 minutes.

During the chase, police said Rodriguez ran multiple red lights, drove into opposing traffic lanes and sped through neighborhoods. Authorities also said he rammed a patrol car and made gestures indicating he was shooting at officers.

The pursuit ended when Rodriguez crashed into a parked Honda Pilot, police said.

Authorities described Rodriguez as a documented gang member. Earlier this month, police also believe he shot and killed his family’s dog. When officers stopped him Saturday, they said he had stolen mail.

Colton police said the actions of the officers involved in the arrest are under investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Colton Police Department at (909) 370-5000.