HESPERIA, Calif. — Newly released body-worn camera footage and 911 dispatch audio from a deputy-involved shooting in Hesperia show a man staging a fake home invasion to provoke a deadly encounter with law enforcement, VVNG reported.
On September 20, 2023, deputies responded to a 911 call reporting armed intruders at a residence. The caller was evasive about his exact location, urging dispatchers to “trace the call” while pleading for help, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department critical incident briefing.
Deputies arrived at the scene and encountered the caller exiting the home wearing a mask and holding a handgun.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department video released on April 24, the suspect pointed the weapon at a deputy, leading officers to fire shots at him.
Despite being fired upon, the suspect continued advancing toward the deputy, chasing him around a parked vehicle while brandishing the gun, video shows. The deputy fired additional rounds while seeking cover, striking the suspect, who later fell to the ground. The deputy’s body-worn camera was deactivated when it hit the ground during the confrontation.
A second deputy arrived four minutes later, issued commands for the suspect to drop the weapon, and fired when he failed to comply, video show. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities later determined that the weapon found in the man’s hand was a BB gun designed to resemble a Sig Sauer P365 9mm handgun, according to the critical incident briefing. Investigators confirmed the 911 call was made from a phone registered to the suspect, concluding he had staged the false emergency to lure deputies to the scene.
One of the deputies involved sustained minor injuries and was treated and released from a hospital.
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office conducted an independent review and found the deputies’ actions lawful, according to the report. The department also conducted an internal administrative review to assess adherence to policy and evaluate any needed changes in training or equipment following the incident.
