Details Released in Deadly Cabazon Deputy-Involved Shooting

CABAZON, CA – A man was shot and killed over the weekend in a confrontation with Riverside County Sheriff's deputies, after officials say he "simulated" a weapon, the agency said Tuesday.

According to Sheriff's Sgt. Chris Durham, it happened around 10 p.m. Saturday when authorities got word of a "suspicious person" near a business in the 48600 block of Seminole Road. Deputies responded, found the man and tried to contact him. However, he allegedly took off running – across the freeway.

"At that time the suspect fled the area east on Seminole Drive and ran across the Interstate 10 freeway onto Malki Road," Durham said in a press release. "A perimeter was established in the area, and with assistance from the Riverside County Sheriff Department’s helicopter, the suspect was located near Johnson Lane."

The suspect, who has not yet been identified, "...continued to evade deputies and failed to obey deputies' commands," the sergeant said.

At some point, the man led deputies on a chase through a dark field.

"During a foot pursuit through a dark field, the suspect pointed a metal object simulating a weapon at the deputy," Durham said. "The deputy ordered the suspect to drop the object which the deputy believed was a firearm. The suspect refused and a deputy involved shooting took place."

Though officials rendered medical aid, the man died at a local hospital, according to Durham.

The deputy who shot the suspect has been placed on administrative leave, per department policy, while an investigation continues.

Durham asked that if anyone has information related to the incident, to call Central Homicide Unit Master Investigator Dickey at (951) 955-2777 or Investigator Hensley at (951) 922-7100 from the Cabazon Station.

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Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone