Golden State Today

OAKLAND – The California Department of Justice, under the leadership of California Attorney General Rob Bonta, has released a report on the officer-involved shooting of Shane Holland in Adelanto, California. The incident involving the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBCSD) on June 21, 2022, has been subject to thorough investigation and scrutiny.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices, stating, "The California Department of Justice remains steadfast in our commitment to working together with all law enforcement partners to ensure an unbiased, transparent, and accountable legal system for every resident of California." He further expressed empathy, acknowledging that "Loss of life is always a tragedy."

The report, mandated by Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), detailed the events leading to Shane Holland's death and outlined the findings of the Department of Justice. Despite the conclusion that criminal charges were not warranted in this case, the report highlighted valuable lessons to be learned from the incident. In response, specific policy and practice recommendations have been issued to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

On the night of the incident, a deputy from the SBCSD initiated a vehicle stop that ultimately led to the fatal shooting of Mr. Holland. Following a foot pursuit, Mr. Holland was shot and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The subsequent investigation, as required by AB 1506, concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support criminal prosecution of the deputy involved, as his actions were deemed necessary to defend against perceived imminent threats.

The California Department of Justice's recommendations aimed at enhancing law enforcement practices include the development of a foot pursuit policy, guidelines for traffic stops for minor offenses, considerations for backup during certain stops, and revisions to the body-worn camera policy within the SBCSD.

In the pursuit of justice and accountability, the Department of Justice's report provides a comprehensive analysis of the incident and offers a pathway towards improved law enforcement protocols and community safety.