A 32-year-old man from Corona is facing six felony charges, including attempted murder, after allegedly attacking a real estate agent inside a vacant home in Banning, California. The incident, which left the agent with serious injuries, was followed by a multi-city police pursuit that ended in Moreno Valley, according to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office.
Key Takeaways
- Daniel Moreno, 32, has been charged with six felonies, including attempted murder and mayhem.
- The attack occurred on October 2 when a real estate agent entered a vacant home in Banning during his work duties.
- Following the incident, Moreno allegedly led police on a pursuit through city streets and two major freeways.
- The chase concluded in Moreno Valley after officers performed a successful PIT maneuver on his vehicle.
Details of the Charges
The Riverside County District Attorney's Office officially filed a formal complaint against Daniel Moreno on Tuesday, October 7. The complaint lists six serious charges related to the events of October 2.
According to court documents, the charges are:
- Attempted murder: The most severe charge, indicating prosecutors believe there was intent to kill.
- Mayhem: A specific and serious charge under California law that involves maliciously disfiguring or disabling a part of a person's body.
- Assault with a deadly weapon: In this case, the complaint specifies the weapon used was a set of keys.
- Assault: A separate charge related to the physical attack.
- False imprisonment: This charge suggests the victim was unlawfully restrained or confined.
- Reckless evading of a peace officer: Stemming from the police pursuit that followed the initial incident.
Understanding the Charge of Mayhem
In California's legal system, mayhem is not just a general term for chaos. It is a specific felony defined as maliciously depriving, disabling, disfiguring, or rendering useless a member of a human being's body. The inclusion of this charge suggests the victim's injuries were particularly severe and possibly permanent.
The Incident on Butterfly Way
The situation began on the evening of October 2, at approximately 6:40 p.m. The Banning Police Department received a call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon in the 1200 block of Butterfly Way, a residential street.
When officers arrived, they found a male victim suffering from what police described as serious injuries. The victim, a real estate agent whose name has not been publicly released, told investigators he was at the location as part of his professional duties to check on a property he believed was vacant.
He reported that upon entering the home, he was unexpectedly attacked by a man who was already inside. The suspect then fled the location before police arrived on the scene.
Risks in Real Estate
Real estate professionals often face risks when showing properties or inspecting vacant homes. Industry safety reports frequently highlight the dangers of working alone and entering unfamiliar locations. This incident underscores the potential for unexpected and violent encounters in the field.
High-Speed Pursuit Across Two Freeways
Following the attack, the suspect, later identified as Daniel Moreno, allegedly fled in a Hyundai Elantra. Banning police officers quickly broadcast a description of the suspect and the vehicle.
A short time later, officers located a vehicle matching the description and identified the driver as the suspect. They attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Moreno refused to pull over, initiating a police pursuit.
"The pursuit continued through Banning city streets before heading onto the 10 and 60 Freeways," a police department statement noted.
The chase moved from surface streets to major Southern California arteries, traveling westbound through multiple jurisdictions. The pursuit eventually entered the city of Moreno Valley, several miles west of Banning.
Pursuit Ends with PIT Maneuver
To safely end the dangerous chase, law enforcement officers executed a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver. This tactic involves a pursuing police car making contact with the rear side of the fleeing vehicle, causing it to spin out and stop.
The maneuver was successful, and the pursuit was terminated in the area of Frederick Street and Atlantic Circle in Moreno Valley. Moreno was taken into custody at the scene without further incident.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
The arrested individual was identified as 32-year-old Daniel Moreno, a resident of Corona. Following his arrest, he was booked on suspicion of the crimes committed.
After the District Attorney's office reviewed the case, the six formal charges were filed. Moreno was scheduled for his first court appearance on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 7, to be arraigned on the charges. The condition of the real estate agent has not been updated, but he was initially transported for medical treatment for his injuries.
