Whittier Man Facing Attempted Murder Charge After Multiple Assaults, Carjackings, And Pursuit Along I-15

NORCO, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A 31-year-old Whittier man was arrested Saturday after a series of violent incidents along southbound Interstate 15 in Riverside and San Diego counties.

Joseph Rene Duarte was arrested on May 23 and booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center on multiple charges, including attempted murder, carjacking, multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon, and vehicle theft, according to a written statement from the California Highway Patrol.

At about 10:40 a.m., CHP Riverside Area officers responded to reports of a crash on southbound I-15 at the Santa Ana River.

According to witnesses, the collision was possibly related to a road-rage incident that escalated into a violent physical altercation between the suspect and the victim.

Witnesses reported the victim was either pushed or thrown from the bridge during the confrontation, falling an estimated 70 to 100 feet into the Santa Ana River bed below. The victim sustained significant injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Investigators said Duarte then carjacked a vehicle and fled the scene, leading to additional crimes across multiple jurisdictions, including another carjacking and multiple assaults with the stolen vehicle.

The incident continued into San Diego County, where Duarte allegedly attempted to strike a CHP motorcycle officer with his vehicle, prompting a pursuit. Escondido police assisted and later took over the pursuit.

During the pursuit, Duarte rammed an innocent motorcyclist, causing his vehicle to crash and become disabled, officials said. Duarte was ultimately taken into custody by the Escondido Police Department.

“The California Highway Patrol aggressively investigates all crimes occurring on the freeways and has highly trained Detectives who work tirelessly to locate and apprehend violent criminals. Acts such as these will not be tolerated and will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law”, said CHP Inland Division Commander, Chief Tariq Johnson.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incidents is asked to call the CHP Inland Division Investigative Services Unit at 951-232-3117.

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