San Bernardino – 43-year-old Jacobo Hernandez was shot by San Bernardino Sheriff’s deputies on May 30, 2025, in a neighborhood in Highland.
Incident Summary
Deputies responded around 7:40 p.m. to a call reporting a man brandishing a firearm on the 25800 block of East Baseline Road. Upon arrival, deputies encountered Hernandez in his vehicle. He allegedly refused to exit the vehicle, and a lethal force encounter ensued in which Hernandez was shot by an officer’s weapon. He would be taken to a local hospital for treatment. The Specialized Investigations Division is looking into this incident.
Use of Force and Accountability Standards in California
California has implemented one of the strictest standards for police use of deadly force in the nation. Under California Penal Code § 835a, officers may only use deadly force when it is “necessary” and when there is an imminent threat to life. The law also emphasizes the importance of de-escalation techniques, warnings where feasible, and the sanctity of human life.
This case—and others like it—raise continuing questions about how these legal standards are being applied in high-pressure encounters, particularly when there are mental health or substance use issues involved, or when the perceived threat may not be clear.
Ongoing Concerns About Law Enforcement Use of Force
The fatal shooting in San Bernardino adds to a troubling pattern of officer-involved deaths in California. According to data from the California Department of Justice OpenJustice portal, there were over 150 police shootings statewide in 2023, with a significant number involving individuals experiencing mental health crises or holding replica or inoperable weapons.
Seeking Accountability for Officer-Involved Shootings
We at the Sehat Law Firm were very concerned to learn of this incident involving Jacobo Hernandez.
At The Sehat Law Firm, we are dedicated to standing with families affected by in-custody deaths and police shootings. Our civil rights attorneys work to ensure full transparency and accountability while helping families pursue justice under both state and federal law.
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 so may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.
