Armed Suspect Taken into Custody in Downtown Rialto


RIALTO, Calif., Thursday, January 16, 2025 -- At approximately 2:22 a.m. the Rialto Police Department Communications Center received multiple 9-1-1 calls regarding a male subject walking in the middle of the street firing a rifle. Officers arrived on-scene in less than two minutes and contacted the suspect, identified as Sebastian Munoz, 23, taking him into custody without incident or injury. 

Upon further investigation, it was discovered Munoz was a patron at a local business until approximately 2:00 a.m. when he walked to his vehicle and retrieved three firearms, one rifle, and two handguns. 

Munoz then returned to the business and asked to be let inside. When he was denied access, he wandered in the street for several minutes before indiscriminately firing the rifle approximately five to ten times toward an unknown target. 

Officers arrived on scene moments later at which time Munoz surrendered and was arrested while still in possession of all three firearms. At this time no reports of any injuries or damage have been received and there appears to be no motive behind Munoz’s actions. 

 A subsequent search of Munoz’s vehicle revealed two additional rifles, various ammunition, and approximately 2 ounces of suspected Cocaine. Based on initial findings it is believed Munoz was hallucinating while under the influence of alcohol and narcotics, causing him to believe he was in a gunfight with someone who was not there. 

Further investigation into Munoz’s possession of the weapons and possible injuries or damages caused is still underway, including a search warrant at Munoz’s residence. Potential victims of this incident are encouraged to contact the police department using the information below.

Munoz was later booked into the West Valley Detention Center facing multiple charges including penal code 25850(c)(6) – possession of a firearm when not the registered owner, penal code 25850(a) – possession of a loaded firearm in public, PC 246.3(a) – negligent discharge of a firearm and Health and Safety Code 11370.1 – possession of a firearm while in possession of narcotics, with a bail amount of $250,000.

The Rialto Police Department requests that anyone with information about this incident contact Sgt. Nic Parcher at (909) 820-2550. Witnesses can also anonymously report information through WeTip at (800) 782-7463, reference case #932500538.



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