After woman was shot by police officer in Corona, arrest of suspect announced

In accordance with state law, the California Department of Justice is investigating the fatal shooting of the unarmed woman.

June 12, 2024, 10:12 a.m. PDT | Updated June 12, 2024, 10:14 a.m. PDT

CORONA, CALIFORNIA – The investigation into the death of a Corona woman who was shot by a Riverside County Sheriff’s deputy this week continued Wednesday and the arrest of a suspect was announced.

Under California law, the Department of Justice investigates fatal police shootings of unarmed civilians.

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“After being notified by local authorities, the Department of Justice’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation pursuant to mandate AB 1506,” the Justice Department announced Tuesday. “Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to the Department of Justice’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review.”

The fatal incident occurred around 1:10 a.m. Tuesday in the 1000 block of West 6th Street in Corona when an officer attempted to “contact several individuals,” the sheriff’s office reported.

It’s not clear why the deputy wanted to talk to the people, but instead of cooperating with him, they reportedly ran away. The officer pursued them on foot, but as he rounded a corner, “a man from the group lunged at him and a struggle ensued,” according to the sheriff’s office.

While the officer was struggling with the suspect, “a woman began to attack the officer,” the department said. The officer fired his weapon and the woman was struck by gunfire.

“The deputy continued to fight off the male suspect who attempted to take his weapon,” the agency said.

Bystanders intervened and helped the deputy arrest the unarmed man. He was identified as Eric Nourani, a 33-year-old San Diego County resident.

The injured woman was taken to a local hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Her identity was not immediately released.

The deputy suffered moderate injuries in the alleged fight and was taken to a hospital. Nourani suffered minor injuries, according to the sheriff.

Nourani was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside on suspicion of murder, assault and attempted murder of a police officer. He is being held on $1 million bail and, according to court records, has no criminal history in Riverside County.

Per Riverside County Sheriff’s Department policy, the deputy stationed in Lake Mathews will be placed on paid administrative leave.

The scene of the incident is near the border areas of the Lake Mathews Sheriff’s Station and the Corona Police Department, according to Sheriff Sergeant Wenndy Brito-Gonzalez.