Gunman opens fire on Fullerton police after traffic stop; 4 arrested

FULLERTON, Calif. (KABC) -- A man was arrested for allegedly shooting at Fullerton police officers following a routine traffic stop early Monday morning.

According to police, a veteran officer and a trainee tried to pull over a vehicle for traffic violations shortly before 2 a.m. Monday at Euclid Street and Valencia Drive, but the vehicle did not immediately pull over.

After a short chase, the car finally came to a stop. Police said that's when a man in the passenger seat got out and fired at the officers.

The veteran officer returned fire, but no one was hit. A third officer arrived on scene to assist and investigators said the suspect fired rounds at him as well, prompting that officer to return fire.

No one was hit during the shootout.

The suspect fled, and a perimeter was established.

After a sweep of the area, police said they detained a man who they believed was the shooter.

Investigators said the shooting suspect was walking along the 600 block of Williamson Avenue trying to blend in.

"We had an officer from Anaheim PD locate a suspect on the perimeter that we believe matches the description of the shooter," said Sgt. Kathryn Hamel with Fullerton police.

The suspected shooter was identified as Shane Stephenson of Pomona. He was charged with attempted murder of a police officer and felony assault on a police officer with a firearm. Police said Stephenson has an extensive criminal history.

Three other people, the female driver and two other passengers in the car, remained at the scene and were questioned by police. They were subsequently arrested for charges including evading, possession of narcotic paraphernalia and outstanding arrest warrants.

They were identified as Matthew Fernandez of Buena Park, Brett Chavez of Santa Ana and Shealyn Edgmon of Orange.

If you have any information about this shooting, you're urged to contact the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6800. You can submit anonymous tips by calling Orange County Crime Stoppers (855) TIP-OCCS.