California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers shot and killed a man in San Jacinto on Monday after he reportedly threw rocks at passing vehicles. The incident took place around 4:48 p.m. near Gilman Springs Road, east of State Route 79, prompting multiple calls to law enforcement about the man’s erratic behavior.
Upon arrival, CHP officers found the suspect engaged in throwing rocks at oncoming cars. When the officers attempted to intervene, the man directed his aggression toward them, throwing rocks in their direction. The officers initially tried to use verbal commands and non-lethal methods to subdue him. However, as the suspect continued to advance, the officers felt compelled to use their firearms, resulting in the man being shot.
Despite the officers’ efforts to provide medical assistance until emergency services arrived, the man was pronounced dead at the scene by Cal Fire personnel. Notably, no weapons were found on the suspect at the site of the incident.
CHP spokesperson Jonathan Torres confirmed that officers had the option to deploy tasers or bean bag rounds prior to resorting to lethal force, but it remains unclear which non-lethal method, if any, was attempted in this case. Fortunately, the officers involved in the shooting were unharmed.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Riverside County Force Investigation Detail, a standard procedure in officer-involved shootings. CHP has encouraged anyone with information about the event to reach out to Torres at the provided contact numbers.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the use of force by law enforcement and the challenges officers face when dealing with individuals exhibiting unpredictable behavior. As investigations continue, the community is left grappling with the implications of this tragic event.