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By Miriam Raftery
Photo courtesy of ECM news partner ABC 10 News
November 27, 2024 (Spring Valley) – The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department has released video from November 15, when seven deputies opened fire and killed Victor Rendon, Jr., 34. Rendon had fired shots inside his ex-girlfriend’s home on Leland Street in Spring Valley and later pointed a gun at deputies, according to the Sheriff’s department. The video appears to show Rendon waving a gun shortly before deputies opened fire.
Deputies responded to a call at 3:18 p.m. from Rendon’s former girlfriend reporting that he was trespassing and behaving erratically, while children were present. He was reportedly suffering from mental issues and under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Deputies removed the children from the home to protect their safety. The suspect then fired his gun several times in the backyard shortly before 5 p.m. with deputies just 15 feet away, though it’s unclear in what direction he was firing, according to a press release from the Sheriff. An initial report that the suspect fired through the front door, however, was inaccurate. The investigation found that he did, however, throw items including luggage at the front door. When he later came out and raised the gun toward deputies, the deputies fired their weapons, striking the suspect multiple times.
Deputies immediately provided medical assistance, but the suspect was pronounced dead. His firearm, a semi-automatic handgun, was recovered. No one else was injured.
The involved deputies were wearing body worn cameras and law enforcement helicopters were overhead during most of this incident. The deputies who fired their service weapons are now identified below by their name, duty assignment, and approximately length of employment with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office:
(1) Deputy Evan Carey – Rancho San Diego Patrol – approximately four years
(2) Deputy Chalit Carranto – San Marcos Patrol – approximately four and a half years
(3) Deputy Thomas Cook – San Marcos Patrol – approximately four years
(4) Deputy Darryl Patmon – K9 – approximately 12 years
(5) Deputy Frank Spinelli – Rancho San Diego Patrol – approximately six years
(6) Deputy Derek Trumbo – Lemon Grove Patrol – approximately two years
(7) Deputy Manuel Zamora – Lemon Grove Traffic – approximately two and a half years
The San Diego Police Department is investigating the shooting per a Memorandum of Agreement signed in 2022. This formal agreement adds a layer of transparency to ensure no agencies investigate their own shooting incidents. To read the news releases issued regarding this incident, click on the links below:
With the investigation still underway, San Diego Police has reviewed and approved the release of this critical incident video.
The District Attorney's Office will review San Diego Police's investigation. The County's Citizens' Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) is reviewing the incident and will provide appropriate recommendations. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and United States Attorney's Office are also monitoring the investigation.
San Diego Police Homicide Detectives were called to investigate per the countywide memorandum of understanding regarding officer involved shootings. When Homicide completes its investigation, it will be reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the officer bears any criminal liability for his actions.
The San Diego Sheriff’s Office will conduct an administrative investigation into the officer’s discharge of his firearm. The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office will also be monitoring the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
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