Suspect who exchanged gunfire with Pittsburg officer identified
PITTSBURG (KTVU and wires) -- Police on Thursday identified an attempted murder suspect who allegedly exchanged gunfire with a police officer in Pittsburg on Wednesday morning.
The officer, a 24-year veteran of the Pittsburg Police Department, was shot in the leg and released from the hospital on Wednesday.
Pittsburg police Capt. Ron Raman said Thursday that the officer is doing well and recovering from his wound.
The suspect, identified by police as 49-year-old Bay Point resident Martin Corona Benites, is in stable condition, Raman said.
The officer spotted Benites, who is suspected of trying to kill his wife in Concord on Tuesday, in the 500 block of East 12th Street in Pittsburg around 11 a.m. Wednesday, police said.
When Benites saw the officer, he allegedly took off running. Police said he headed west on Harbor Street, where the officer momentarily lost sight of him.
As the officer turned a corner in search of Benites, police said Benites ambushed the officer, fired at him and struck him in the leg.
The officer returned fire, hitting the suspect multiple times, police said.
Both the officer and the suspect were transported to a hospital for treatment.
Police said Benites was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
He was wanted for allegedly trying to shoot his wife in the 3500 block of Willow Pass Road at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Concord police Cpl. Christopher Blakely said.
When Benites allegedly pulled the trigger, the gun jammed, Blakely said.
Pittsburg police and the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office are investigating the Wednesday morning officer-involved shooting. Concord police are investigating the attempted murder case.
Pittsburg police have not yet released the officer's name.