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Aaron James

Gender : Male

Age : 17

Race : White

Date : 04/02/2024

Location : 17000 block of Forest Hills Drive

City : Victorville

County : San Bernardino

State : California

Agency : Victorville Police Department, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Teenager in mental health crisis killed by police

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On April 2, 2024, 17-year-old Aaron James, a foster youth from Hesperia, was fatally shot by San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies in Victorville. Days earlier, James had been involuntarily committed for self-inflicted wrist injuries but escaped during transfer to a mental health facility. He sought refuge at his sisters' foster home on the 17000 block of Forest Hills Drive. The homeowner reported him as a trespasser, citing prior disturbances. Upon arrival, deputies found James barricaded in a bathroom, armed with a knife, and threatening self-harm. After approximately 30 minutes of negotiation, deputies forcibly entered the bathroom. A confrontation ensued, during which James reportedly injured a deputy with the knife. In response, deputies deployed pepper spray and ultimately discharged their firearms, striking James. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The incident has intensified discussions about the adequacy of mental health resources and the role of law enforcement in crisis situations.
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NUMBER OF CASUALTIES DURING THIS POLICE ENCOUNTER: 1 fatality
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Last Update: 11/29/2024

SOURCE LINKS :

https://ktla.com/news/local-news/southern-california-teen-killed-in-deputy-involved-shooting-identified/
https://abc7.com/san-bernardino-county-sheriffs-department-releases-bodycam-video-of-deadly-deputy-shooting-involving-teen-mental-health/14612420/
https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/we-have-a-mental-health-crisis-san-bernardino-county-sheriff-says-following-deputy-shooting-of-a-foster-youth/