On the morning of Friday, May 23, 2025, a tense and rapidly unfolding incident occurred on the northbound lanes of the 71 Freeway in Chino Hills, California, resulting in an officer-involved shooting that led to significant traffic disruptions and a woman being hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Incident Overview
At approximately 11:28 a.m., the California Highway Patrol (CHP) received multiple emergency calls reporting a woman walking along the right shoulder of the northbound 71 Freeway near the Butterfield Ranch Road and Euclid Avenue exits. Callers described the woman as behaving erratically and visibly armed with a knife.
CHP officers responded promptly to the scene. According to CHP Capt. Salvador Suarez, upon encountering the woman, she advanced toward the officer with the knife in hand. In response to the perceived threat, the officer discharged their firearm, striking the woman once. She was transported to a local hospital in stable condition, with injuries not considered life-threatening. No officers were injured during the incident.
Traffic Disruptions
The shooting prompted the CHP to issue a SigAlert, leading to the complete closure of all northbound lanes of the 71 Freeway between Butterfield Ranch Road and Euclid Avenue. The on-ramps at Euclid Avenue were also closed. The closures caused significant traffic congestion, with vehicles backed up for miles. By approximately 5:15 p.m., one northbound lane was reopened to alleviate the traffic buildup.
Ongoing Investigation
The CHP has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Authorities are seeking assistance from the public and have urged anyone who witnessed the event or has relevant information to contact the CHP. The identity of the woman involved has not been released, and further details regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
Community Impact
The incident occurred during the busy Memorial Day weekend travel period, exacerbating traffic delays and raising concerns among commuters and residents in the Chino Hills area. The CHP’s swift response and ongoing investigation aim to address public safety concerns and provide clarity on the events that transpired.
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