Lancaster deputy shot by pellet gun

Investigation still ongoing, according to sheriff officials

Sheriff’s Department officials released new details in the story of a Lancaster Sheriff’s Station deputy injured in a shooting Wednesday, which also prompted a response from Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies and a news conference from Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris.

The initial shooting was reported around 2:45 p.m. on the 500 block of Lancaster Boulevard, according to sheriff’s officials.

“Deputy injuries consisted of a gunshot wound to the shoulder,” LASD officials reported in the initial tweet. A short time later, they issued a followup tweet, saying: “This is still an active shooter incident. Please avoid the areas of Lancaster Boulevard, Sierra Highway, Beech Avenue and Jackman Street.”

On Thursday, Sheriff’s Information Bureau officials, responding to numerous questions about the incident on social media, sent a Nixle that noted the incident involved a pellet gun,

which was recovered from one of the units near the scene of the shooting, and that the deputy had sustained a minor injury.

“The investigation is still ongoing,” according to Deputy James Nagao of the Sheriff’s Information Bureau.

“Investigators believe this was an isolated incident targeting a deputy,” according to a Nixle statement from Sheriff’s Department officials. “The apartment complex adjacent to Lancaster Sheriff’s Station was cleared by the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB), apartment units were searched and multiple interviews were conducted. Investigators believe this was an isolated incident and that the area is safe for the community. No suspect was located.”

The deputy sustained a non-penetrating wound to the top of his right shoulder that left a minor injury, according to the statement. The statement also noted, “Damage consistent with a gunshot was noted to the top right shoulder area of the deputy’s uniform shirt.”

A pellet gun rifle was recovered from one of the apartments searched by investigators. The weapon is being tested for forensic evidence.

Lancaster Sheriff’s Station officials were not immediately available for comment as of this story’s publication.