Man Chases Armed Robbers on I-10 After Cabazon Hold-up, But Suspects Get Away

Authorities sought the public's help Wednesday in finding three men who robbed a Mexican tourist at gunpoint at the Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon, then fired at his vehicle as he drove after them.

The robbery was reported at 7:50 p.m. Monday in the outlets' parking structure.

The victim was putting items he purchased into his rented car when three males wearing ski masks approached him, one of them pointed a rifle at him and demanded his merchandise and money. The victim complied, and the three suspects drove off in black Toyota Camry with no license plates, Riverside County sheriff's Lt. Pete Ortiz said.

The victim drove after the suspects onto westbound Interstate 10.

The suspects exited at Ramsey Street in Banning, got back onto the freeway and drove east, exiting at Main Street in Cabazon. They drove west on Seminole Drive, and fired at the victim's vehicle. At least one round struck the vehicle, disabling it. The suspects got onto westbound Interstate 10 and left the area, Ortiz said.

The victim wasn't hurt, he said.

"Although the victim did not sustain any injuries during this incident, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department does not recommend that victims chase their assailants," Ortiz added.  "The best course of action is to obtain the best description of the suspect and their vehicle as possible and to call 911 immediately."

Anyone with information on the robbery and shooting was asked to call the Cabazon sheriff's station at (951) 922-7100 or the sheriff's dispatch center at (800) 950-2444, or email cabazonstation@riversidesheriff.org.

 — City News Service contributed to this report.