Hesperia, CA – The family of Elijah Brown is demanding answers after he was shot by a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy while reportedly running out of a home on Monday, February 24, 2025.
Incident Details
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, deputies arrived at a residence in the 10700 block of Central Road in Apple Valley around 10:00 p.m. in response to a reported burglary. During the operation, several inhabitants of the home, including Elijah Brown, ran out of the house, at which point a deputy discharged their firearm, striking the teenager. Elijah was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Family’s Response
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s office states that Elijah is an 18-year-old. However, Elijah’s family disputes the official account, asserting that he is 16 years old. They are also calling for a transparent investigation and the release of anybody camera footage related to the incident.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has initiated an internal investigation into the shooting. The California Department of Justice may also review the case to assess the appropriateness of the use of force.
Under California law (Assembly Bill 392), law enforcement officers are authorized to use deadly force only when necessary to defend against an imminent threat of death or serious injury. The circumstances of this incident will be scrutinized to determine whether the deputy’s actions were in line with legal standards and department policies.
Legal and Civil Rights Implications
Incidents involving the use of force against minors, particularly in communities of color, often lead to discussions about law enforcement practices and accountability. The Bane Act (California Civil Code § 52.1) and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 provide avenues for individuals to pursue civil rights claims if they believe their rights have been violated by law enforcement officers.
If evidence suggests that Elijah Brown was unjustifiably shot, his family may have grounds to file a lawsuit seeking justice and accountability.
Seeking Accountability for Officer Involved Shootings
How can our firm assist with an investigation? Should you decide to consult with our firm, our investigation typically includes some or all the following investigative activities
- obtaining and reviewing medical records, autopsy reports and blood toxicology screening reports
- requesting a Public Records Request Act for documents and evidence for locating and interviewing critical witnesses to an incident
- subpoenaing third party entities if our firm is retained and a lawsuit is initiated
- securing surveillance video evidence, and at minimum, placing the jail entity on notice to preserve potential video and tangible evidence of an incident.
- hiring private investigators who can help track down witnesses and/or obtain further evidence to help your case.
We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our best wishes to Elijah Brown.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by police misconduct or an in-custody incident, contact The Sehat Law Firm at (949) 825-5200 for a free consultation, or complete the form at the bottom of this page to discuss your case with our legal team.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary, and any referenced here may not apply to your situation. This article was created from secondary sources and may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.
