The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of Cherry Avenue and Baseline Avenue.
Law enforcement responded to calls reporting 44-year-old Fontana resident, Jesus Garcia, using a metal pole to damage property and assault other people. He allegedly also destroyed computers and registers inside of a nearby AutoZone.
"The suspect was reportedly swinging the pole, damaging property, and committed an assault with a deadly weapon on a citizen," said a statement from police.
An officer attempted to calm Garcia down by reasoning with him, but the suspect refused to comply.
"During the encounter, the suspect attacked the officer with the pipe, resulting in a lethal force response from the officer," police said.
**UPDATE**: Fontana Police Department is currently investigating an incident that occurred in the Vons shopping center on the 14300 block of Baseline Ave. There is no danger to the public at this time, but we ask that you please avoid the area if possible to allow officers to… pic.twitter.com/uqAgpRFf8S
— Fontana PD (@FontanaPD) September 24, 2024
"It was like four or five shots that caught my attention and then I got out of my car and saw a person on the floor," Fontana resident and witness Arturo Garcia told journalists at KTLA.
In a video circulating of the incident, Garcia can be seen writhing around on the ground after having been shot by law enforcement. An officer rolls him onto his back before striking him in the face three times. Garcia then stops moving.
"I can't comment on whether it was appropriate or not," said Fontana Police Department's Steve Reed to KTLA. "When we're trying to detain someone, we have to take the force necessary to make that detention. Like I said, from the video, it appears he was actively resisting."
Both Garcia and a responding officer were taken to a hospital to get treatment for injuries following the incident. Garcia passed away shortly afterwards.
According to a post on the City of Fontana Police Department's Facebook Page, the officers involved in the incident may face repercussions for their use of excessive force.
"I am aware of the video depicting the use of force and arrest of Mr. Garcia. Both officers involved in this incident have been placed on administrative leave and multiple investigations are currently in progress," said Chief Michael Dorsey. "I am committed to a full and transparent investigation of this entire incident."
Originally published by Latin Times.
