Suspect Identified in Random Shooting Spree in Riverside Area

A man who police say went on a random shooting spree in Riverside, killing two and injuring others, was identified by police Sunday as James Paul Diaz.

Diaz, 34, was charged by police with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of assault with a deadly weapon, one count of shooting at a vehicle, and one count of attempted murder.

Beginning at 11:36 a.m. on Saturday, Diaz allegedly went on a shooting spree in the city of Banning, shooting from his car while driving down the street.

The first shooting attack occurred on John Street at 11:36 a.m.

The driver of the car, who hasn't yet been identified by police, was killed and the passenger was injured. The passenger was released from the hospital by Sunday, police said.

Another call came in reporting a shooting from one car to another near Nicolet Middle School.

The victim in the shooting suffered minor injuries to the face when broken glass shattered from shots fired. 

The violence continued at an AM-PM store on the intersection of 22nd and Ramsey Streets.

The suspect allegedly started repeatedly punching the next victim as he was sitting in his car. The suspect then grabbed a blunt instrument and continued the attack, police said.

At 12:15 p.m., police were called to East Lincoln Drive.

A car crashed, and police found the driver dead in the vehicle. 

The suspected shooter then began knocking on residents' doors of American Street. 

He also broke a car's window while people were sitting inside of it. 

Shortly after, Beaumont Police took Diaz into custody. 

The police said there was no clear motive as the shooter had no relation to the victims.

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