RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - A Rancho Murieta Association compliance officer was struck by a vehicle during a hit-and-run incident at the community’s North Gate on Dec. 17, prompting a California Highway Patrol investigation that is being treated as an assault with a deadly weapon.

According to a Rancho Murieta Community Services District security log, Administrative Sgt. Barino Arino was dispatched to the North Gate because a hostile individual had been yelling profanities at gate staff and refusing to identify themselves or state their business within the community.

When Arino arrived, he observed a black BMW sedan that had entered through the visitor lane after being refused entry by gate staff. Compliance Officer Chris Smith was outside his vehicle, issuing verbal commands to the driver to either turn around and exit the community or park. The vehicle then proceeded into the community, turned left and immediately entered oncoming traffic.

Arino followed the vehicle westbound toward Sacramento before returning to the North Gate. Upon his return, Smith reported that he had been struck by the vehicle. The South Gate was notified to contact CHP and the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department, which assessed Smith for injuries.

In a follow-up email responding to questions from the River Valley Times, Arino clarified that the driver entered through the visitor lane while screaming expletives. After being denied entry and told to exit, the vehicle drove into the community and turned into oncoming traffic near the gate area. Arino confirmed that it happened just after 1 p.m. 

RMA General Manager Rod Hart confirmed the incident but said details remain limited because it is an active criminal investigation.  

“I hope CHP can get somewhere with this,” he said.

Asked about Smith’s condition, Hart said he appeared to be “okay” at the association’s Christmas lunch on Dec. 19. But Hart declined to comment further, citing medical privacy laws.

CHP spokesman Officer Angie Monroe said the incident is being investigated as “a hit-and-run involving very minor injuries (sore knees from getting knocked to the ground).”

In a later update, Monroe said a CHP officer reviewed entrance gate video footage showing what appeared to be an adult female attempting to enter Rancho Murieta through the exit gate while driving the wrong way. 

“A male exited a truck and attempted to help the driver turn around. Instead, it appears she may have accelerated directly at him,” Monroe said.  “He was able to move mostly out of the way but was knocked to the ground.”

Monroe said CHP is investigating the incident as an  assault with a deadly weapon under Penal Code 245 and had no further details as the investigation continues.

Arino’s security log entry said that the driver didn’t appear to have any ties to the community or any reason to attempt entry.