In what was at least the sixth fatal confrontation with a civilian in 2024 by a member or members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, a 32-year-old Hesperia man was shot by deputies in Victorville yesterday morning after he was twice hit by vehicles while walking on Mariposa Road.
“On Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 9:58 a.m., deputies from the Victorville Station responded to multiple calls of a vehicle vs. pedestrian traffic collision on Mariposa Road,” according to a statement put out by the sheriff’s department. “Callers reported the pedestrian, later identified as Nicholas Contreras, was hit by a second vehicle as he continued to walk around after the first collision.
“When deputies arrived at the scene, they attempted to contact Contreras and discovered he was armed with a knife,” the sheriff’s department statement continues. “Deputies gave Contreras multiple commands to drop the knife and get on the ground. Contreras refused to obey the commands, advanced toward the deputies, and a lethal force encounter occurred. Contreras was struck by gunfire and despite lifesaving measures, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
The shooting occurred in the vicinity of 12870 Mariposa Road, according to the department.