Press Release

9/8/16, 5:31 AM

Murrieta Police
Department

2 Town Square
Murrieta, CA 92562
(951) 304-2677

9/7/2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Subject :

Battery on a peace officer investigation

Contact :

Lieutenant Tony Conrad (951) 461-6309

tconrad@murrietaca.gov

PRESS RELEASE: 1609M-1363

On Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at approximately 8:45 pm, a uniformed Murrieta police officer was patrolling in the
area of the CVS Pharmacy located on the 25000 block of Hancock Ave. in Murrieta. The officer was summoned by a
bystander regarding a subject inside the store creating a disturbance and possibly under the influence of drugs.
The officer entered the store and contacted the 22 year old man. The officer attempted to detain him and the subject
began fighting with the officer, grabbing onto the officers holstered firearm. The two fought for possession of the
firearm inside the store and the officer was able to radio for emergency assistance. The officer was eventually able to
break free from the suspect, at which time the suspect fled outside the store. The officer chased the suspect into the
parking lot where a second struggle ensued between the officer and suspect, who again tried to disarm the officer.
Additional assisting officers arrived and attempted multiple force techniques in an attempt to stop the suspect from
attempting to disarm the officer. Ultimately the officers were able to overcome the suspect and place him under arrest.
As a result of the struggles, the initial officer on scene sustained a broken hand and the suspect sustained multiple
abrasions and cuts. The officer and suspect were treated at local medical facilities. The officer was treated and released
and the suspect was treated, medically cleared and booked on the following charges:
148(D) PC Attempting to disarm a police officer
148.10(A) PC Resisting a police officer causing injury
69 PC Obstructing a police officer causing injury
243(C) PC Battery on a police officer with injury
602.1(A) PC Retail property trespassing
11550 (a) H&S Under the influence of a controlled substance (Pending laboratory results)
The arrestee's name is Alejandro Rojo (11/07/93) and a resident of Murrieta. He was booked at the Southwest
Detention Center under booking number 201635811.
Subsequent investigation revealed the suspect had been inside the store tearing open packages of medical supplies and
possibly ingesting them prior to the officers arrival. Exactly what the suspect ingested is being determined by
investigators.
This incident began inside of CVS Pharmacy and was partially covered by their surveillance video. The Murrieta Police
http://www.murrietaca.gov//civica/press/display.asp?Entry=680&Layout=3

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Press Release

9/8/16, 5:31 AM

Department has requested a copy of that video to assist in this investigation and once received, will release it with the
stores permission.
This incident is being reviewed by investigators and the use of force is being reviewed as a matter of policy.
Investigators are aware that cell phone video of the incident exists and encourages those in possession of such video to
contact Lieutenant Tony Conrad at (951) 461-6309.

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http://www.murrietaca.gov//civica/press/display.asp?Entry=680&Layout=3

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