Officer-Involved Shooting In Cherry Valley Happened As Suspect Reached For Waistband: Sheriff's Dept.

CHERRY VALLEY, CA — San Bernardino County sheriff's officials on Wednesday identified a man who was shot at by law enforcement officers during the service of a warrant in Cherry Valley this week. Justin James-Perry — a known member of a local Inland Empire gang who lives in Redlands — was hit by gunfire when he reached for his waistband while running from the Valley Regional Gang Team, according to the sheriff's department.

It all started around 12:04 p.m., as the the team was "...conducting a follow up investigation" at a house in the 9000 block of Oak Glen Road, about 1.5 miles north of Orchard Street, according to the sheriff's department. They did not elaborate what the investigation was regarding.

"While deputies approached the residence, they observed Justin James inside the residence, running toward a back room and exiting the home from a side door," a news release from the agency stated. "A foot pursuit began and deputies observed a black object in James’ right hand."

Though deputies yelled at the man to stop, he refused, according to the sheriff's department. The man continued to run away, and headed for a nearby wash.

"As they neared the bottom of the wash, a deputy could see James reaching into his waistband and then turn towards the deputy," officials said. "The deputy fearing for his safety fired his duty weapon at the suspect striking him."

James was taken to the hospital for treatment and his injuries were described as non-life threatening.

When police searched the area where James was shot, they allegedly found a gun.

"A loaded handgun was recovered from the location where James was shot," the sheriff's department said.

The sheriff's department is continuing to investigate the incident and asked that anyone who may have information related to the case to call the Homicide Detail, Detective Brian Chambers at (909)387-3589. You can also anonymously report information via the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or at www.wetip.com.

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• Shooting Reported In Cherry Valley As Gang Task Force Serves Warrant

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Patch photo by Renee Schiavone