- A 37-year-old Simi Valley man suspected of domestic violence and elder abuse was fatally shot by police after a pursuit ended in a crash on Dusan Street.
- The suspect had reportedly threatened to 'shoot it out' with officers before fleeing his residence.
- The chase began near Simi Valley Town Center and ended back at the original domestic violence scene, where officers fired multiple rounds.
- No officers were injured; six officers involved were placed on administrative leave pending investigations by SVPD, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office, and the California Department of Justice.
- This marks the second officer-involved shooting by Simi Valley police in less than a month.
Deadly Pursuit Unfolds in Simi Valley Neighborhood
A domestic violence investigation turned deadly Tuesday afternoon when Simi Valley police officers shot and killed a 37-year-old suspect after a short pursuit that ended in a crash on the same block where the initial disturbance occurred. The incident left residents shaken and prompted a multi-agency investigation.
Sequence of Events
According to the Simi Valley Police Department (SVPD), officers responded to the 2500 block of Dusan Street around 8:15 a.m. for a domestic disturbance and assault call. By the time they arrived, the suspect had already fled. Based on witness statements, police determined there was probable cause to arrest the man for domestic battery and elder abuse. Family members told officers the suspect was armed and had warned he would 'shoot it out' with police if called. Officer Casey Nicholson later told reporters, "Upon leaving, said that if the police were called, he will, 'shoot it out' with them."
At approximately 1:35 p.m., officers spotted the suspect's white pickup truck near Simi Valley Town Center. When they attempted a traffic stop, the suspect fled, initiating a pursuit. The chase lasted only minutes and ended back on the 2500 block of Dusan Street after the truck crashed into an unoccupied police motorcycle and an RV. Witnesses reported hearing a barrage of gunfire as officers fired numerous rounds at the vehicle. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. Video obtained by Fox11 showed the white pickup truck speed onto a quiet residential street, smashing into objects and into the rear of a camper before coming to a stop. Another video obtained by Eyewitness News shows the pickup truck speeding down the road right before the violent crash into an unoccupied police motorcycle. Police officers, who were right behind the vehicle, then jump out of their patrol units and aim their guns at the pickup truck, firing shots.
Local California Context
The shooting occurred in a residential area near Crestview Elementary School and Sycamore Park in Simi Valley, Ventura County. The neighborhood was cordoned off for hours as investigators collected evidence. Residents expressed fear and shock, with one neighbor, Kyra Ramirez, telling ABC7, 'It was really scary.' Another neighbor, Lewis Barajas, said he had 'never heard so many gunshots in my life.'
Another neighbor, who did not want to be identified, told Eyewitness News, "I was sitting in the house, heard a bunch of sirens and came outside to see... and all of a sudden, I see this cop car come from down that street, swing around down Fitzgerald to the left, and then all of a sudden, all I heard was 'pop, pop, pop, pop, pop.' Then I grabbed my daughter, ran back inside, and as I was running back inside, I heard a few more pops."
Background
This incident is the second officer-involved shooting by Simi Valley police in less than a month. On July 2, officers responded to a domestic violence call on Clover Street, where a 46-year-old man was shot after an altercation and taken to Los Robles Regional Medical Center. The recurring nature of such incidents has raised community concern.
Investigation and Aftermath
The Ventura County District Attorney's Office, SVPD, and the California Department of Justice are conducting investigations into the shooting. The department's Professional Standards Bureau handles an administrative review. Six officers directly involved have been placed on administrative leave per policy. Police have not released the suspect's name pending notification of family. Anyone with information is urged to contact the SVPD Major Crimes Unit at (805) 583-6950.
Video from the scene showed the police motorcycle on its side with a helmet nearby, and the white pickup truck with front-end damage and bullet holes in the windshield. A body was seen covered in a white sheet on the ground outside the truck. A SWAT BearCat was also stopped at the front of the truck. Friends say the suspect was a father and had lived in the neighborhood for several years.
A training exercise planned in the area of Santa Susana High School in Simi this week has been postponed due to the incident, SVPD said.
Police later confirmed the man was reported to have a gun, but did not say whether he was armed when shot. The suspect, a Simi Valley resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. It remains unclear how many officers fired their weapons and struck the man.