Man identified in assault on deputy that left Southern California woman dead

A 33-year-old San Diego County man has been identified as a suspect in the assault on a Riverside County sheriff's deputy that left a female suspect dead.

The incident happened shortly after 1 a.m. in the 1000 block of West 6.^th Street in Corona, an RCSD press release states.

Authorities say the deputy was chasing “several suspects” on foot who fled when he tried to contact them.

As the deputy turned the corner, a suspect, later identified as Eric Nourani, allegedly lunged at him and a fight ensued.

As the deputy struggled with the suspect, a female began to assault him and a shooting involving the deputy occurred,” the release states. “The suspect was hit by gunfire. The deputy continued to push back the suspect, who attempted to reach for his firearm, until good Samaritans arrived and helped arrest the suspect.

Authorities say the woman, who has not been identified, received medical aid until paramedics arrived and took her to a nearby hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Nourani and the deputy were also taken to hospital with moderate to minor injuries.

A spokesperson for the Sheriff's Department declined to say “why the deputy wanted to talk to people or provide more details about how the Good Samaritans helped him,” The Press-Enterprise reported.

The 33-year-old suspect was then booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on charges of murder, attempted murder of a peace officer, mayhem and violently resisting an officer.

California Department of Justice investigators are leading the investigation into the fatal deputy-involved shooting.

The deputy, who has not yet been named, has been placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with RCSD policy.