Specialized Investigators have provided some updated info regarding the deputy involved shooting in Morongo
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, November 19, 2019 8:16 a.m.
INCIDENT: Shooting at Inhabited Dwelling / Barricaded Subject / Deputy Involved Shooting
LOCATION: 53500 block of Cactus Flower Road, Morongo
SUSPECT: Jacob Cato, 34 years old, resident of Morongo
SUMMARY:
On Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 8:16 a.m. deputies were called to a neighborhood on Cactus Flower Road for shots fired in the area. The reporting party heard numerous shots being fired and believed they were coming from a neighboring residence and were directed at his home. Deputies arrived and heard numerous shots being fired behind the residence. Moments later an adult male, later identified as Jacob Cato, walked to the front of the home. Deputies made several announcements for him to comply, however he retreated into the house and for several hours he ignored all attempts of communication. Investigators later determined Cato fired shots in the air as the Sheriff’s helicopter flew over his residence. Cato video recorded the incident and described them as “warning shots to get that helicopter out of this airspace.”
The Specialized Enforcement Detail (SED) responded to assist with the barricaded situation and negotiations. Just before 1:30 p.m. Cato walked out of the house, pointed a gun and shot at deputies, at which time a deputy involved shooting occurred. Cato was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel.
Specialized Investigators with the Homicide Detail responded to conduct the investigation. The investigation is ongoing.
The Riverside County Coroner will conduct an autopsy.
Anyone with information, or anyone who witnessed the incident, is asked to contact Detective G. Moreno, Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail at (909)387-3589. Callers can remain anonymous and contact WeTip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Refer: Detective G. Moreno or Sergeant J. Steers
Station: Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail
Phone No. (909)387-3589
Case No. 091901758 H#2019-117
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Headquarters
655 E 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700