SAN BERNARDINO, CA — A domestic disturbance call in San Bernardino turned deadly on April 5, 2025, when police officers fatally shot a man who they say was threatening a family member.
Incident Details
Officers responded around 5:30 p.m. to a domestic disturbance in the 1000 block of North Mountain View Avenue after receiving reports of a family dispute escalating into violence. Upon arrival, San Bernardino Police Department officers encountered a man allegedly wielding a knife
Police say officers gave multiple commands for the man to drop the weapon. When he failed to comply and moved toward the residence with the knife in hand, officers opened fire, striking the man. After officers attempted life-saving measures, the man would be transported to a local hospital, where he would later be pronounced dead.
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office is leading the investigation alongside the San Bernardino Police Department’s Homicide Unit.
The Broader Picture: Domestic Violence and Use of Force
California’s use-of-force policies, specifically Penal Code § 835a, require law enforcement officers to use deadly force only when it is “necessary in defense of human life.”
Domestic violence-related calls are among the most dangerous and complex situations that law enforcement responds to. According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, domestic violence accounts for approximately 15% of all violent crime in the United States. These incidents often involve high-stress, emotionally charged environments and can escalate rapidly.
Meanwhile, officer-involved shootings remain a critical area of public concern in California. The California Department of Justice’s Use of Force data reported over 150 officer-involved shootings statewide in 2022 alone, with the majority of those incidents resulting in fatalities.These trends have led to increased calls for de-escalation training, mental health support, and policy reform to reduce the likelihood of deadly outcomes during domestic or mental health-related crises.
Seeking Accountability for Officer Involved Shootings
We at the Sehat Law Firm offer our condolences to the family of the deceased.
When a loved one is harmed or killed during a police encounter, families are often left searching for answers. In some cases, they may have legal recourse under 42 U.S. Code § 1983, a federal statute that allows individuals to sue government officials for violations of constitutional rights.
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.
