Update on officer-involved shooting in El Centro

A foot pursuit that ended at a residential area in El Centro last Friday led to the arrest of two suspects trying to strike officers with a stolen vehicle.

Now we’ve learned one of those suspects is facing four charges including attempted murder of an officer.

It all began when investigators attempted a traffic stop for a suspected stolen vehicle.

That’s when authorities said the suspects tried to hit them with the vehicle that led to one of the suspects getting shot.

Lt. Jimmy Duran, of the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, said, “When that occurred the suspect’s vehicle began driving towards one of the investigators at a high rate of speed. At that point, two shots were fired.”

The suspects then took off in their vehicle into a residential area.

“Once the vehicle came to a full stop, a foot pursuit ensued. Both suspects were taken into custody. A weapon was recovered from one of the suspects.”

According to Duran, the suspect who was shot in the torso, won’t face any charges.

“His involvement in the stolen vehicle and in the whole incident did not amount for charges to be filed.”

The suspect, who drove the vehicle, will be charged with four offenses including attempted murder.

“Charges have been filed with the District Attorney’s office. And Ivan Velazquez remains in custody with a $500,000 bail.”

The passenger is in stable condition at a hospital in Palm Desert and is expected to be released by the end of the week.