A man was fatally shot by San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies Friday after allegedly firing at Southern California Edison employees and subsequently barricading himself inside his Mentone residence.
Deputies responded to the 300 block of King Street at approximately 10:50 a.m. following reports of a man discharging a firearm at utility workers engaged in routine tree-trimming along the roadway. The workers, part of a vegetation management crew, were reportedly unharmed as they moved to safety.
Upon arrival, law enforcement found the suspect had retreated into his home. Crisis negotiators were deployed and attempted to persuade the individual to surrender, but these efforts were unsuccessful.
Authorities stated that the man allegedly fired upon sheriff’s deputies shortly after 2 p.m. Deputies returned fire, hitting the suspect. Despite medical attention provided at the scene, the individual succumbed to his injuries. His identity has not yet been released.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Specialized Investigations Division is currently investigating the motive behind the suspect’s actions. No other civilians or law enforcement personnel sustained injuries during the incident. A spokesperson for Southern California Edison expressed gratitude for the safety of their employees and contractors, commending the rapid response of law enforcement.
