Officer-involved shooting of fugitive justified

From Staff Reports

LUCERNE VALLEY • The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office found sheriff’s detectives were legally justified in using their guns when they shot and killed a Lucerne Valley fugitive.

The two detectives shot and killed William Nathaniel Henry, 41, in self-defense and the defense of others, and they have no criminal liability, according to the DA’s report released Thursday.

Henry, who had been convicted of rape, was wanted for the alleged violation of his parole terms, removal of his GPS ankle bracelet and assault of the mother of his child, the report states.

On Nov. 4, 2010, the detectives responded to a home in the 7600 block of Camp Rock Road in Lucerne Valley to look for Henry.

One of the officers found Henry lying in the garage, and the fugitive pulled a handgun out of his waistband, according to the report. Henry didn’t drop the gun and the detective, believing that he would get shot, fired three shots.

Ignoring commands, Henry reached for and crawled toward his gun, and the two detectives shot at him again, according to the report. Henry suffered eight entry gunshot wounds and died at the scene.