A vehicle burglary suspect was killed and a deputy was injured after a foot pursuit turned lethal in Southern California.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said it was at 8:03 p.m. on Friday when a resident called in, reporting that someone was actively burglarizing his vehicle outside his home in the 100 block of Walnut Street.
When the victim caught the suspect inside his vehicle, according to the report, the suspect took off – fleeing on foot.
Two deputies in Needles responded to the call and found the suspect, later identified as Michael Ray Richard II, 39, of Phoenix, Ariz., walking in the area.
As the deputies began detaining Richard, he pulled away and ran – initiating the foot pursuit.
“Richard jumped over walls and returned back to the patrol units, where he retrieved a bag he had been carrying at the time of his detainment,” detailed the department in a release.
When the deputies caught up with Richard, they realized he was armed with a handgun.
“Richard struggled with the deputies and fired the gun,” explained SBSD. “A lethal force encounter occurred, and Richard was struck by gunfire.”
Richard was then pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials did not immediately provide further details about the struggle but said one deputy had minor injuries as a result.
During a later investigation, SBSD said detectives found a second firearm in Richard’s bag.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Antonio Alcala, Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904.
Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
