Hesperia Man Shot by Deputies After Knife Standoff

Key Takeaways

• San Bernardino County deputies shot a knife-wielding man after he charged toward them in Hesperia on Saturday morning.
• The suspect fled into the California Aqueduct, climbed out, then advanced on deputies despite orders to stop.
• He was airlifted to a trauma center; his condition has not been released.
• No deputies were injured in the encounter.
• The sheriff's department is investigating and asking for tips via WeTip.

Deputies in Hesperia shot and wounded a man armed with a knife after he allegedly refused commands and moved toward them, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. The incident Saturday morning closed part of the area near Main Street and Escondido Avenue as the investigation unfolded.

Deputy-Involved Shooting Unfolds Near Main Street and Escondido Avenue

The incident began just before 10:15 a.m., when deputies responded to reports of a male adult armed with a knife covered in blood, the sheriff's department said. Deputies located the man and ordered him to drop the blade. Instead, he ran into the nearby California Aqueduct.

Deputies tried to pull the man from the water using a rope, but he did not take it. He later used a ladder to climb out on his own. The subject continued to refuse deputies' commands and advanced toward them, the sheriff's department said. A deputy involved shooting occurred, and the suspect was struck by gunfire.

Paramedics rushed the wounded man to a trauma center by helicopter. His identity and current condition have not been released. No deputies were hurt.

Local California Context

Hesperia is a city in the Mojave Desert region of San Bernardino County, about 40 miles north of San Bernardino. The California Aqueduct, part of the State Water Project, runs through the area and was central to Saturday's confrontation.

Deputy-involved shootings are rare in Hesperia. The sheriff's department has not said whether the man was suspected of an earlier crime, but the initial report of a bloody knife suggests a possible assault.

Background and Investigation

In California, officer-involved shootings are typically investigated by the involved agency and later reviewed by the district attorney's office. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said additional details will be released as they become available.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the sheriff's department or the WeTip hotline at (844) 909-3096. Tips can also be submitted anonymously.

Conclusion

Saturday's shooting left a suspect hospitalized and raised questions about the use of force. As the investigation continues, local officials are expected to release more information about the circumstances and the man's identity.