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Slain LEO Slipped; Suspect Grabbed Gun and Shot

Left: Officer Ryan P. Bonaminio | Right: Earl Ellis Green

RIVERSIDE, CA – The suspect who allegedly killed Riverside Police Officer Ryan P. Bonaminio wrestled the officer’s gun away after he slipped and fell, then used the gun to shoot him, authorities said Monday.

At a press conference Monday, officials released more details about the Nov. 7 shooting. They said Earl Ellis Green, 44, of Rubidoux, attacked Bonominio after the officer fell, wrestled the gun away and shot him.

Riverside Police Chief Sergio Diaz said Green made that choice instead of running away and continuing his escape.

Officer Bonaminio pleaded for his life before he was murdered, said Pacheco. “This defendant ignored those pleas and shot him,” he said.

Joseph Bonaminio, Ryan’s father, said that Ellis “assassinated my son, he doesn’t deserve to breathing the same air as you and me.”

Bonaminio had pulled over the stolen big-rig driven by Green that was believed to have been involved in a hit-and-run collision near the 60 Freeway, according to police. Green sped south on Market Street before pulling over in front of Riverside’s Fairmount Park and running down a grassy field.

Green was charged last Tuesday with one count of murder with two special circumstances — the murder of a law enforcement officer, and murder to avoid imminent arrest, said Riverside Dist. Atty. Rod Pacheco at a news conference Monday.

Pacheco said that his office will thoroughly review the case and Green’s criminal background before deciding whether to pursue the death penalty. A decision should be made within two weeks, he said.

Green is also charged with one count of vehicle theft with a previous conviction and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was scheduled to be arraigned Monday afternoon in Riverside Superior Court.

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