Police work is dangerous, but millions of men and women still put their lives on the line daily to protect others. It’s an unpredictable line of work that can be particularly violent. On December 5, 2025, deputies from the Riverside Sheriff’s Department in California responded to a call about a shooting. When they arrived, the situation reportedly escalated. Multiple young suspects fired at deputies, who did not fire back. Thankfully, no one was shot during the altercation. Police ultimately arrested three teenagers in connection with the shooting, who now face attempted murder charges.
According to a news release from the sheriff’s department, deputies arrived at a home in the 8800 block of Avenue 70 in Thermal just before 10 p.m. Once there, deputies reportedly found evidence of a shooting and began an investigation. As law enforcement officers conducted their official duties, a car allegedly drove past and started to shoot in the deputies’ direction. Bullets missed the deputies but did strike a patrol car. Deputies opted not to return fire.
Deputies found a vehicle in the 6300 block of Landon Lane matching the one driven during the shooting. Though it was empty, deputies found 18-year-old Gustavo Barrera Pena walking nearby. They ultimately arrested the teenager, who faces two counts of attempted murder against a peace officer and a charge of discharging a firearm into an inhabited dwelling, the release noted.
Two days later, on December 7, police arrested Guillermo Alexander Martinez, 18, and Eric Diaz Orozco, 18, in connection with the crime. Both teens face two counts of attempted murder against a peace officer, discharging a firearm into an inhabited dwelling, and an assault with a deadly weapon charge.
Conviction on an attempted murder charge in California can carry a sentence of life in prison. Is it worth it to throw your life away at 18 to look cool with a gun?
