Investigation Underway After Lawrence Harris Died In Officer-Involved Shooting At Home on Steeplechase Road In Brentwood, Victorville

VICTORVILLE, CALIFORNIA (January 19, 2025) – A 44-year-old man identified as Lawrence Harris has tragically died in an officer-involved shooting in Victorville.
San Bernardino County officials are saying that the incident took place around 5:40 PM on January 17.
Officers were called to a home after getting reports about a man who had allegedly threatened family members. When officers arrived at the residence, they encountered Lawrence Harris.
The man allegedly threatened responding officers with the firearm prior to an officer-involved shooting taking place. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help him.
Lawrence Harris was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. San Bernardino County officials are asking anyone with more information to reach out to them.
Liability for Victorville Police Shootings
California has one of the highest incidents of officer-involved shootings in the United States. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, “About 195 people die each year from interactions with California law enforcement. Gunshots are by far the most common cause of death: nearly 250 people are shot by police each year.” Many of these police shootings were preventable.
- An officer may have failed to calm the individual and use de-escalation techniques.
- An officer may have misjudged a threat, including mistaking cell phones or other objects as a weapon.
- An officer may have failed to utilize non-lethal tools, such as tasers or pepper spray, before using lethal force.
- An officer may fail to follow use of force guidelines, especially related to individuals who are in the midst of a mental health crisis.
The ability to use lethal force is one of the most consequential powers that police officers hold. Pursuant to California Penal Code § 835a, the authority to use lethal force is a serious responsibility and must be used judiciously with respect to the rights and dignity of all human life. Every person has a right to be free from excessive force that is exercised under the color of law. A peace officer is only justified to use deadly force when he reasonably believes, based on the totality of all circumstances, that the force is necessary to defend against an imminent threat of serious bodily injury to himself or another person. It is important that certain steps are taken after any police shooting.
- Body camera footage from all officers involved should be reviewed.
- The actions of police officers leading up to the encounter should be understood.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough investigation should be conducted.
Police shootings are often highly preventable. They tend to involve situations where officers are either unwilling or unable to properly de-escalate encounters. In many instances, the suspect will be in the midst of a serious mental health crisis. But officers will fail to de-escalate and meet the suspect with force prematurely. This is why it is so important that police departments have specialized units for dealing with people in need of mental help. The family of any person who died in a police shooting may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating Victorville Police Shootings
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP were deeply concerned to hear about this fatal police shooting of Lawrence Harris. Any person who may have more information should reach out to investigators. There are so many questions about what happened that still remain unanswered.
Do you need more information about an officer-involved shooting in Victorville? Our team of civil rights advocates is here to get you the answers that you were looking for. We care deeply that police departments have the appropriate oversight to prevent constitutional violations and excessive force. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.