Vehicle Pursuit Leads to Officer-Involved Shootings

ANAHEIM, Calif. (July 5, 2024) - Anaheim Police Officers shoot at a suspect during a vehicle pursuit. The suspect was not struck by gunfire. A firearm was recovered.

On Friday, July 5, 2024, just before 3:45 a.m., an Anaheim Police Officer witnessed a hit-and-run traffic collision. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to stop and led officers on a vehicle pursuit. During the pursuit, the driver struck a patrol vehicle and pointed a firearm at the pursuing officer(s).

During the pursuit, an officer-involved shooting occurred in the parking lot of the McDonald's restaurant located in the 1100 block of N. State College Blvd. The pursuit resumed, and a second officer-involved shooting occurred on State College Blvd. near the 91 freeway. The vehicle pursuit continued until concluding in the 2800 block of E. Virginia St. after an officer conducted a PIT maneuver.

The suspect, 31-year-old Milton Urquiza Cruz of San Pedro, was arrested without further incident. Urquiza Cruz was not struck by gunfire and was not injured. A firearm was recovered from the vehicle he was driving during the pursuit.

Urquiza Cruz was booked into the Anaheim Police Department's Detention Facility for PC 245(c) - Assault on a peace officer, PC 29800(a)(1) - Possession of a firearm by a felon, or prohibited person, PC 30305(a)(1) - Possession of ammunition by a felon or prohibited person, VC 2800.2(a) - Felony evading, VC 20002(a) - Misdemeanor hit and run, and a felony arrest warrant.

No officers or members of the community were injured as a result of the pursuit or officer-involved shootings.

Anaheim Police Department Homicide Detectives are leading the investigation and are not disclosing any additional details at this time because the investigation is ongoing. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be presented to the Orange County District Attorney's Office to determine if the Officers' actions were lawful. Anaheim PD's Major Incident Review Team (MIRT), Anaheim PD Internal Affairs, and Office of Independent Review (OIR) also responded to the incident.