Lethal Force Encounter Occurs After a Suspect Fires at Pursuing Deputies
DATE/TIME: March 30, 2023 / 10:09 p.m.
INCIDENT: PC 664/187 – Attempted Murder and Lethal Force Encounter
LOCATION: Highway 395 and Seneca Road, Adelanto
SUSPECT(S): Stephen Thompson, 26-years-old, City of Residence Unconfirmed
VICTIM(S): Confidential
SUMMARY:
On Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 10:09 p.m., deputies from the Victorville Station attempted a traffic stop on a white, 2021 Mercedes sedan. A records check revealed the vehicle was wanted in an attempted murder case that occurred the day prior. The driver, later identified as Stephen Thompson, refused to stop and a pursuit ensued. Thompson drove at speeds that reached nearly 140 mph. The California Highway Patrol helicopter assisted and pursued the vehicle from the air.
Thompson continued into Adelanto and crashed his vehicle on Seneca Road and Jonathan Street. Thompson fled on foot, armed with a handgun, and disappeared into the neighborhood. As pursuing deputies drove through the neighborhood, Thompson appeared in front of a patrol car and began shooting, striking the unit. Thompson continued running and hid in the backyard of a residence on Justine Way.
As deputies surrounded the residence, Thompson fled on foot through a dirt field, stopping only to fire several more rounds at pursuing deputies, striking a second patrol car. Deputies returned fire and struck Thompson. Thompson dropped his weapon and deputies provided medical care. Medical aid arrived and Thompson was transported to a hospital where he remains in stable condition.
Detectives from the Specialized Investigations Division responded and assumed the investigation. No deputies were injured, and the investigation is ongoing. Further details are not being released.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to www.wetip.com
Refer: Detective F. Demara
Station: Specialized Investigations Division
Phone No. 909-890-4904
Case No. DR# 172303952 H# 2023-037
SHANNON D. DICUS, 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