A man was shot and killed by Tulare County sheriff's deputies during a welfare check after they mistook his cell phone for a gun. - The incident occurred on May 21, 2026, in the 400 block of Matheny Road in Tulare.
- Deputies were responding to reports of a possible fight and a welfare check. - The man ran out the back door pointing a black cell phone, leading deputies to believe he was armed.
- The man died at the scene; his identity has not been released. The investigation is ongoing with assistance from the Tulare Police Department and California DOJ.