A man was shot and killed during a narcotics investigation in Palmdale after allegedly running over a deputy’s foot while deputies were serving a search warrant, authorities said.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Narcotics Bureau deputies arrived at a home in the 37900 block of 11th Street East around 12:20 p.m. on Jan. 13 to serve a search warrant connected to suspected narcotics sales.
As deputies approached the residence, they observed Christopher Reynoso, 25, of Palmdale, seated inside an idling vehicle parked near the property.
LASD stated that because the home was suspected of narcotics activity, deputies could not safely approach the location without first determining who was inside the vehicle, citing potential officer safety concerns.
When Reynoso began driving away, deputies ordered him to stop. Authorities said he ignored those commands and pressed the accelerator. As the vehicle moved forward, the rear tire reportedly ran over a deputy’s foot, pinning it beneath the car. Reynoso then allegedly accelerated toward another deputy, prompting that deputy to open fire.
The vehicle continued a short distance before crashing into a parked car. Deputies provided medical aid to Reynoso, but paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
The injured deputy was transported to a hospital, where he received treatment for his foot injury.
LASD said that any deputy-involved shooting resulting in a person being struck by gunfire triggers multiple independent investigations. These include reviews by the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau and the Internal Affairs Bureau.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will also conduct a legal analysis to determine whether criminal charges are warranted and whether the shooting was legally justified.
Authorities did not release additional details, including whether Reynoso had any connection to the Palmdale residence under investigation.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit tips online at lacrimestoppers.org.