Suspects in gas station shooting arrested in Pomona; one remains at large

POMONA (FOX 11 / CNS) - Pomona police on Wednesday said two suspects have been taken into custody in connection with a shooting near a gas station that left a man critically wounded, and also released the identity of the suspected shooter, who remains at large.

The crime occurred about 12:30 a.m. Thursday near an Arco station in the 800 block of Rio Rancho Avenue, the Pomona Police Department reported.

The victim was parked near the station when an early 2000s black Nissan Sentra with several people inside arrived at the location, police said.

A man and a woman got out of the Nissan and the man approached the victim and fired several shots at him "in what appeared to be an attempted robbery/carjacking,'' police said. "The suspect vehicle and its occupants picked up the male and female and fled the area.''

The victim, a Pomona resident whose name was withheld, was rushed to a hospital with injuries that were described as critical.

Video from the scene, which was released earlier by police, showed a car crashed into a pillar near gas pumps at the station.

The man who got out of the Nissan was described as Hispanic, in his 30s with a moustache and tattoos on both arms. The woman was also described as Hispanic and in her 30s.

On Wednesday morning, police announced that two suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the crime, but that the alleged shooter -- whom they identified as Rigoberto Perez, 34, of Azusa -- remains at large. Information about the suspects in custody was not released.

"The suspects were identified after Pomona PD dispatch received numerous calls and tips from the public and local media,'' police spokesperson Aly Mejia said in a statement.

"While the suspects have been taken into custody, the shooter remains outstanding,'' Mejia said. "If you see (Rigoberto) Perez, please do not approach him as he may be armed. Anyone who sees Perez is asked to call 9-1-1.''

Anyone with general information about the case was urged to call police at (909) 620-2085, or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

Portions of video used in this story are restricted to the Los Angeles area.