police shootingSan Bernardino County, CA – 47-year-old Jose Martinez of Rialto was shot by police in San Bernardino County on March 10, 2025. 

Incident Details

According to reports, Chino police officers responded to a home on the 14000 block of Monte Vista Avenue in Chino in connection with a domestic violence incident. Martinez’s vehicle was found in Fontana around 11:30 a.m., and a pursuit ensued that came to an end on the 10800 block of Kadota Avenue in Montclair. 

Martinez reportedly exited his vehicle and pointed a black object at officers, who proceeded to fire on him. The object would later be discovered to be a portable battery pack. Martinez was taken to a local hospital and most recently listed in critical condition. Both the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office will review the incident to determine whether the use of force was justified.

Legal Framework for Officer-Involved Shootings

California law, under Assembly Bill 1506, requires the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate certain police shootings involving unarmed individuals. California’s Penal Code § 835a outlines the circumstances under which officers are permitted to use deadly force, stating that it must be “necessary and proportional” to the perceived threat. Additionally, the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from excessive force by government agencies.

For families who believe their loved one’s rights were violated, 42 U.S. Code § 1983 provides a legal pathway to seek justice for wrongful death or other civil rights violations..

Seeking Accountability for Officer Involved Shootings

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our best wishes for the recovery of Jose Martinez.

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.
  • identifying and contacting potential witnesses, if available.

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.