MECCA: Axe-wielding man fatally shot by deputy – Central Homicide Unit officials investigating

MECCA — Details are beginning to emerge after a deputy fatally shot a man who officials allege was armed with an axe, early Sunday morning, June 3. The deadly shooting happened in the area of Lincoln Street and 66th Avenue, in the unincorporated community of Mecca.

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Shortly before 3:30 a.m., deputies assigned to the Thermal Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to assist California Highway Patrol and fire personnel with a “non-compliant subject armed with an axe, and a deputy involved shooting occurred,” Riverside County Sheriff’s spokesperson Deputy Robyn Flores explained after the fatal shooting.

The alleged suspect was immediately treated by fire and rescue personnel already at the scene before he was rushed to an area hospital. He later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.

Officials have not specified how many rounds the deputy fired at the suspect or how many times the man was struck.

Investigators from the Riverside County Sheriff Department’s Central Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation.

As the investigation was getting underway numerous sheriff’s vehicles and a mobile command center were seen parked along the west side of Lincoln Street near a small brick building, about 50 feet south of 66th Avenue. As of mid morning, the sheriff’s initial on scene investigation was ongoing.

“There are no outstanding suspects, no threat to the community, and no injuries sustained by law enforcement personnel,” Flores said, who continued, “The suspect’s name will not be released at this time, pending the ongoing investigation.”

The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave per department policy and their name will not be released at this time, according to Flores.

The sheriff’s investigation is active and ongoing and officials have not yet released any further information.

Anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Central Homicide Investigator Navarrete at (951) 955-2777, or Thermal Sheriff’s Station Investigator Tijerina (760) 863-8990. Callers can refer to incident file number C181540011 and can remain anonymous.

 

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Trevor Montgomery, 46, recently moved to Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes for several other news organizations, including Riverside County based newspapers, Valley News, The Valley Chronicle and Anza Valley Outlook, as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County and The Mountain Echo in Shasta County.

Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident. (Click here to see segment of Discovery Channel documentary of Trevor’s accident.)

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations, including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center and Lake Elsinore Station, along with other locations.