Deputies fatally shoot man who attacked utility crew and then barricaded his home
A man who opened fire on Southern California Edison workers in Mentone later locked himself inside his house and was killed by sheriff’s deputies.
At approximately 10:50 a.m. on Friday, San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of gunfire aimed at Southern California Edison vegetation-management workers near the 300 block of King Street in Mentone. The crew, engaged in scheduled tree-trimming, moved to safety and suffered no injuries. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the shooter had sealed himself inside his home, prompting the deployment of specialized crisis negotiators who attempted to secure his surrender.
The man refused to exit and, shortly after 2 p.m., allegedly opened fire on the deputies, who then returned fire and hit him. Emergency personnel attended the scene, but the suspect died from his wounds; his name has not been released. The Sheriff’s Department Specialized Investigations Division is examining the incident’s motivation, while Edison spokesperson Kathleen Dunleavy thanked law-enforcement for the swift response and confirmed all workers and contractors are safe.
Why it matters
The incident highlights risks faced by utility crews and the challenges of de-escalating armed confrontations in residential areas.
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