Orange County(Thechieftainspear) – A 27-year-old man from Los Alamitos has been taken into custody on attempted murder charges after allegedly shooting at an off-duty police officer in Irvine, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as Solomon Cottrell, was arrested following an incident that unfolded in the early hours of March 18, according to the Irvine Police Department.
At approximately 2:06 a.m., the off-duty officer noticed a Nissan Altima being driven erratically near Jamboree Road and Barranca Parkway. Suspecting the driver might be intoxicated, the officer followed the vehicle while waiting for backup.
Cottrell later exited onto Edinger Avenue, but instead of continuing normally, he abruptly made a U-turn and began driving against traffic. As he neared the officer’s vehicle, he reportedly shouted profanities.
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Attempting to avoid a confrontation, the officer tried to drive away, but Cottrell allegedly pursued him, swerving aggressively in his direction. As the officer passed Hearthstone on Irvine Center Drive, he heard what sounded like a gunshot. Moments later, he saw the suspect make another U-turn and speed off in the opposite direction.
Responding officers arrived at the scene and discovered a spent shell casing at the intersection, confirming a shot had been fired.
Investigators later identified Cottrell as the driver and traced his car to the parking structure at Pechanga Resort Casino in Riverside County. Officers located him at the casino and placed him under arrest. A female passenger in the vehicle was detained but was later released.
Authorities also recovered a firearm believed to have been used in the incident. Cottrell was booked into the Orange County Jail on attempted murder charges.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Rebecca Steen at 949-724-7170 or email [email protected].
