South Indian Hill Boulevard near the 10 Freeway: deputies at a nearby eviction responded to a reported theft, and a man was shot and killed
CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA (September 21, 2026): A man was shot and killed by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies Monday morning at a gas station in the 800 block of South Indian Hill Boulevard in Claremont, just off the 10 Freeway, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The shooting happened at about 9:40 a.m., ABC7 reported.
According to the sheriff’s department, deputies were carrying out a court-ordered eviction nearby when a customer alerted them to a theft at the Chevron station next door. The department said that as deputies approached to investigate, the man ran out of the store and charged at them with a knife, and deputies opened fire.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The sheriff’s department described him as being in his 30s or 40s, and he has not been publicly identified. The department said a large kitchen knife was recovered at the scene and that no deputies were injured. These are the department’s initial statements, and the full sequence of events has not yet been independently reviewed.
The Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau is investigating, and anyone with information is asked to call (323) 890-5500. Deputy-involved shootings in Los Angeles County resulting in death are also reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office for possible criminal liability.
Liability for Los Angeles County Deputy Shootings
{{PEN|835a|California Penal Code § 835a}} allows peace officers to use deadly force only when it is necessary to defend against an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury, judged by the totality of the circumstances, including the officer’s own conduct before the shooting. Federal claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 apply the Fourth Amendment’s reasonableness standard. The California Supreme Court held in Hayes v. County of San Diego (2013) that deputies’ tactical decisions leading up to a shooting can be considered in a negligence claim. California’s Bane Act, Civil Code § 52.1, also protects against interference with constitutional rights through threats, intimidation or coercion.
- Distance and time: Investigators examine how far the man was from deputies, how quickly he approached and whether there was time to create distance or give commands.
- Pre-shooting tactics: How deputies approached the store and whether they had cover or other options are part of the totality of the circumstances.
- Less-lethal options: Whether Tasers, beanbag rounds or other tools were available and considered is reviewed in knife-related shootings.
- Body-worn camera video: Footage from deputies’ cameras and the gas station’s surveillance system is often the most important evidence.
California law generally requires agencies to release video of critical incidents, including shootings that cause death or great bodily injury, within 45 days, with limited exceptions. That footage can confirm or contradict early accounts of what happened.
Steps to Take After a Los Angeles County Deputy Shooting
Families often receive very limited information after a deputy-involved shooting, while investigators control the scene, the evidence and the witnesses.
- Request the coroner’s findings: The Medical Examiner’s autopsy documents the number and path of the gunshot wounds.
- Preserve independent evidence: Nearby businesses, drivers and witnesses on Indian Hill Boulevard may have video that is not in law enforcement hands.
- Track the critical incident video: Monitor the sheriff’s department’s release of body-worn camera footage.
- Avoid statements without guidance: Families should be careful about giving recorded statements before understanding their rights.
A claim against a California public entity generally must be presented within six months of the incident under Government Code § 911.2, before state-law claims can be filed in court. Federal civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 generally borrow California’s two-year limit in Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Investigating Los Angeles County Deputy Shootings
We at Carrazco Law, A.P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the man’s family. How much distance and time did deputies have when he came out of the store, and were less-lethal options available? What will the body-worn camera and gas station surveillance video show about the seconds before deputies fired?
If you or a loved one has been affected by a police or deputy shooting anywhere in California, our civil rights attorneys can help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us anytime at (800) 541-3244. Se Habla Español. Free consultation.
Published on September 22, 2026 by M.M., Carrazco Law, A.P.C. The incident described in this article occurred on September 21, 2026.
