DATE/TIME: Monday, May 31, 2021 12:33 p.m.
INCIDENT: Failure to Yield/ Deputy Involved Shooting / Homicide Investigation
LOCATION: #1 – Paxton Road / Imperial Drive, Yucca Valley
#2 – 57000 block of Crestview Drive, Yucca Valley
VICTIMS: Sergeant Dominic Vaca, assigned to Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station
Deputy Sheriffs assigned to the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station
SUSPECT: Bilal Winston Shabazz, age 29, a resident of Lancaster
SUMMARY:
On Monday, May 31, 2021, at 12:33 p.m., deputies assigned to the Morongo Basin Station were conducting extra patrol enforcement for Off-Highway vehicles. Deputies observed a male subject, later identified as Bilal Winston Shabazz, near Paxton Road and Imperial riding on a street-legal motorcycle and attempted a traffic stop for no license plate. Shabazz failed to yield to the traffic stop, and a pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, Shabazz abandoned the motorcycle and fled on foot through several nearby residential properties. Deputies pursued Shabazz on foot, but he refused to stop. Sergeant Dominic Vaca attempted to detain Shabazz, and Shabazz shot at Sergeant Vaca. Sergeant Vaca was struck by gunfire and was airlifted to a local hospital for treatment. Despite life-saving measures conducted at the scene and the hospital, Sergeant Vaca succumbed to his injuries.
After he shot Sergeant Vaca, Shabazz continued to flee and fired at responding deputies. Deputies returned fire, and Shabazz was struck. Deputies immediately began life-saving efforts. Despite life-saving measures, Shabazz was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A loaded handgun was located next to Shabazz. Two additional magazines containing ammunition were found on his person.
Detectives from the Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail, responded to conduct the investigation. It was determined that the suspect had a no-bail warrant out of Los Angeles County.
No additional information is available for release at this time.
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation; anyone with information, or anyone who witnessed the incident, is asked to contact Detective Edward Hernandez, 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 Edward Hernandez or Sergeant Justin Giles
Station: Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail
Phone No. (909)387-3589
Case No. DR#232101237 H#2021-067
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
