Man shoots accused car thief in head as he flees, killing him, California police say

A man faces a murder charge after being accused of shooting and killing a suspected car thief as he drove away, California police reported.

Officers responding to a reported theft found a man slumped over the wheel of a stolen Honda Civic that crashed into a parked car and dumpster around 12:20 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, the Riverside Police Department said in a July 29 news release.

They discovered that Alex Arzate, 35, of Riverside had been shot in the head, police said. He died at a hospital a few hours later.

Following an investigation, officers arrested Tony Ortiz, 41, of Perris, on a charge of murder and weapons charges, police said.

Ortiz saw Arzate steal the Honda Civic, then drew a handgun and shot him as he drove away, police said. They did not say whether Ortiz owned the stolen car.

Officers seized several firearms from his home, including the one believed to be used in the shooting, police said.

Police ask anyone with information to contact Detective Richard Glover at 951-353-7134 or RGlover@RiversideCA.gov, or Detective Stanley Hua at 951-353-7135 or SHua@RiversideCA.gov.

Riverside is about a 55-mile drive east from Los Angeles.

This story was originally published July 30, 2024 at 12:30 PM with the headline "Man shoots accused car thief in head as he flees, killing him, California police say."