header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
April 19
1880 - Pico Oil Spring Mine Section 2 patented by R.F. Baker and Edward F. Beale [story]
E.F. Beale


| Wednesday, Oct 9, 2019
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Fire Department units responded to a deputy-involved shooting in Newhall on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2017. | Photo: Ryan Painter/The Signal.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Fire Department units responded to a deputy-involved shooting in Newhall on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2017. | Photo: Ryan Painter/The Signal.

 

Prosecutors assigned to review deputy-involved shooting incidents announced Wednesday that the four Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies who fired their weapons at Monolito Guerra almost two years ago did so lawfully and in self-defense.

The Justice System Integrity Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office released details of its review of the non-fatal shooting of Guerra that happened in Newhall on Nov. 28, 2017.

Involved in the shooting were Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies Albert White, Tanner Sanchez, Benjamin Sanchez and Robert Garcia.

“We have determined that Deputy Albert White acted in lawful self-defense when he fired his duty weapon (and that) Deputy Tanner Sanchez, Deputy Benjamin Sanchez and Deputy Robert Garcia acted in lawful self-defense and defense of others when they fired their duty weapons,” the report concludes.

The DA’s Command Center was notified about two and a half hours after the shooting, prompting the DA’s Response Team to respond to the scene where team members were briefed and taken on a walk-through by LASD Lt. Joe Mendoza.

In reviewing the case, prosecutors looked at recorded interviews, 9-1-1 calls, and photographs submitted by the LASD Homicide Bureau.

Shooting account
The following is a blow-by-blow account of the shooting provided by prosecutors:

On Nov. 28, about 10 p.m., a woman was driving her car in search for a parking space at an apartment complex on Bottletree Lane in Newhall.

Guerra walked up to the woman’s car and pointed a pistol at her.

The woman fled the area and called 9-1-1.

Deputies responded to the apartment complex to locate Guerra, who was believed to reside at an apartment near where he confronted the woman.

Hiding in back seat
Guerra became aware of the deputies’ presence and hid in the rear passenger compartment of a Ford Fusion parked near this apartment, and adjoining the pool area of the complex.

Guerra lay along the backseat and covered himself with a windshield sunshade while deputies set up a containment of the apartment they believed he may have entered.

White checked a row of parked cars nearby, one of which was the Ford Fusion. He saw a person lying across the rear seat of the Ford Fusion under a sunshade.

White opened the rear passenger door on the driver side, saw Guerra grab a revolver, and instructed Guerra to freeze.

Guerra fired his revolver at White, shooting him one time in the neck, as Guerra “propelled himself” out of the car.

Fired several rounds
White fired several rounds at Guerra, and then fell down on the sidewalk adjacent to the Ford Fusion.

White heard another gunshot and believed Guerra had shot him in the back. He got back up and ran away from Guerra.

White last saw Guerra standing to the rear of the Ford Fusion, groaning and holding his midsection.

Tanner Sanchez heard a voice shout either, “Show me your hands,” or “Drop the gun.” Tanner Sanchez heard two gunshots, and then a third gunshot that appeared to him to be from a second firearm.

Tanner Sanchez ran to assist and heard White yell, “I’m hit. I’m hit.”

Tanner Sanchez could not see White, but heard a fourth gunshot and looked in the direction of the audible gunfire. He saw Guerra crouched behind a parked car with his arms extended out from his body and his hands clenched together holding what Tanner Sanchez believed to be a pistol.

Tanner Sanchez believed Guerra had shot White and that Guerra was looking to shoot additional deputies.

9 to 10 rounds fired
From approximately 20 to 25 feet away, Tanner Sanchez fired two volleys of shots totaling nine to 10 rounds at Guerra, who retreated to the rear of the Ford Fusion.

Tanner Sanchez repositioned himself and saw Guerra lying on the ground motionless with a chrome revolver next to one of his hands.

Benjamin Sanchez also assisted in setting up a containment when he initially heard two gunshots and a deputy’s commands to “drop the gun” followed by additional gunshots from a second firearm.

Benjamin Sanchez ran to assist and focused his attention on the area where he saw muzzle flashes.

He heard a deputy yell, “I’m hit,” and believed a deputy had been shot.

From his position, Benjamin Sanchez had a clear line of sight down the length of the sidewalk along the parked cars, including the Ford Fusion.

Benjamin Sanchez saw Guerra crouching behind a car and pointing a chrome handgun at deputies positioned north of Guerra.

Fearing for their lives, Benjamin Sanchez fired his service weapon three times at Guerra.

Garcia saw White checking a line of parked cars moments before he heard someone yell, “Show me your hands. Show me your hands.”

Garcia heard eight to 12 gunshots and saw muzzle flashes from where he had last seen White.

Shot in the neck
Garcia ran to provide assistance and saw White emerge from that area holding his neck.

Believing White had been shot, he provided cover for White and another deputy who was now assisting White.

Garcia saw Guerra “pop up” from behind the trunk area of the Ford Fusion and look in his direction.

Guerra was extending his arms out from his body.

Fearing that Guerra was preparing to aim a pistol and shoot him and other deputies, Garcia fired his duty weapon one time at Guerra.

Simultaneously, Garcia heard other gunshots he believed to be fired from other deputies.

After Garcia fired his duty weapon, Guerra went out of Garcia’s sight, and Garcia heard Benjamin Sanchez yell, “He’s down. He’s down.”

Garcia and Benjamin Sanchez arrested Guerra who was lying on the ground within reach of a .357 magnum revolver.

The revolver’s cylinder was later examined and contained four expended .38 special cartridge casings and one live .38 special round inside.

Benjamin Sanchez recovered eight live .38 special cartridges from Guerra’s pockets.

Shot multiple times
Guerra was shot multiple times, and he was transported to the hospital. He survived his injuries.

White was treated for a gunshot wound to the neck and survived his injuries.

Investigators interviewed Guerra at the hospital.

Guerra stated that he pointed a gun at a woman inside a car, and he believed the woman called the police.

Guerra became aware that deputies arrived at the apartment complex and he believed they were looking for him.

Guerra hid beneath a windshield sunshade in the back seat of a parked car, and could see a deputy’s flashlight shining inside the car.

When the deputy opened the backseat door, Guerra shot the deputy. The deputy fell back and fired back.

Guerra exited the car and shot the deputy again, causing the deputy to fall near a mailbox adjoining the parking spaces.

Guerra gave conflicting accounts about whether he shot at other deputies while kneeling behind the Ford Fusion.

Preliminary hearing
Guerra was charged in case number PA090160 with several felony counts, including three counts of willful, deliberate, premeditated attempted murder of Deputies White, Tanner Sanchez and Garcia.

The matter is pending a preliminary hearing.

Guerra is scheduled to appear in Los Angeles Superior Court on Nov. 18.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
Friday, Apr 19, 2024
May 5: ‘Free to Be Me Festival’ at West Creek Park
The city of Santaw Clarita will host the Free To Be Me Festival for its third year at an exciting new location. On Sunday, May 5, from noon to 3 p.m., celebrate Santa Clarita’s special needs communities and their families at West Creek Park, 24247 Village Circle Drive, Valencia, CA 91354.
Friday, Apr 19, 2024
April 23: City Council to Discuss Measure H Funds, Traffic Improvements
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 23 at 6 p.m. The council will meet at City Hall, City Council Chambers, Items on the agenda include: Measure H funding, awarding construction contracts for traffic improvements and updating criteria for speed hump installation or removal.
Friday, Apr 19, 2024
April 27: Day at The Rocks Family Fun Event
Visit Vasquez Rock Natural Area and Nature Center for a Day at The Rocks, a family fun event and tribal celebration of the Village of Mapipinga. A Day at The Rocks will be held Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Keep Up With Our Facebook

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
Hello Auto Group has announced its partnership with the Santa Clarita Veteran Services Collaborative for the second annual Military Spouse Appreciation Event. This event, dedicated to honoring military spouses, will take place on Military Spouse Appreciation Day Friday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Anthony Vince Nail Spa at 24250 Town Center Drive #140, Valencia, CA 91355.
May 10: Second Annual SCV Military Spouse Appreciation Event
The Santa Clarita Artists Association has announced the 2024 scholarship award recipients. These deserving individuals have shown excellence in their high school art education and shared their plans to continue their artistic endeavors.
SCAA Announces 2024 Scholarship Award Honorees
The Valley Industry Association of Santa Clarita is set to ignite innovation and transformation with its VIA Workforce Development Conference 2024 at the Hyatt Regency Valencia on Thursday, May 16. Jorge Marquez, chairman of the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board, has been added to the list of speakers appearing at the event. He will serve as the opening speaker at the conference.
May 16: VIA Adds County Leader to Workforce Development Speakers List
The city of Santaw Clarita will host the Free To Be Me Festival for its third year at an exciting new location. On Sunday, May 5, from noon to 3 p.m., celebrate Santa Clarita’s special needs communities and their families at West Creek Park, 24247 Village Circle Drive, Valencia, CA 91354.
May 5: ‘Free to Be Me Festival’ at West Creek Park
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and its regional partners have held the first of several upcoming rapid response events to urgently connect soon-to-be laid off local workers, impacted by the recent bankruptcy and closure of dozens of local 99 Cents Only Stores, to critical workforce services.
L.A. County Offers Help for Workers of 99 Cents Only Stores
Youth in Los Angeles County foster care as young as 13 can open their own checking and savings accounts without an adult co-owner through the Youth Access Banking program.
Foster Youth Access Banking Program Available in L.A. County
The Santa Clarita City Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 23 at 6 p.m. The council will meet at City Hall, City Council Chambers, Items on the agenda include: Measure H funding, awarding construction contracts for traffic improvements and updating criteria for speed hump installation or removal.
April 23: City Council to Discuss Measure H Funds, Traffic Improvements
Visit Vasquez Rock Natural Area and Nature Center for a Day at The Rocks, a family fun event and tribal celebration of the Village of Mapipinga. A Day at The Rocks will be held Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
April 27: Day at The Rocks Family Fun Event
Princess Cruises, headquartered in Valencia, and ship builder Fincantieri of Monfalcone, Italy have announced the mutual decision to postpone the delivery of the next Sphere Class ship, Star Princess.
Princess Cruises Postpones Delivery of Star Princess, Inaugural Cruises Cancelled
1880 - Pico Oil Spring Mine Section 2 patented by R.F. Baker and Edward F. Beale [story]
E.F. Beale
The Master's University men's golf team shot a 13-under 275 to finish second at the Golden State Athletic Conference Men's Golf Championships held at Briarwood Country Club in Sun City West, Ariz.
TMU Men’s Golf Places 2nd, Women 5th at GSAC Championships
Join local nonprofit Project Sebastian for an exhilarating day of racing and community support at its Rare Warrior 24 race on Saturday, June 1, at Heritage Park in the heart of Santa Clarita.
June 1: Rare Warrior 24 Race Benefiting Project Sebastian
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station Station deputies will be taking part in the “DEA National Drug Take Back Day,” Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in front of the SCV Sheriff’s Station, located at 26201 Golden Valley Road.
April 27: Drug Take Back Day at SCV Sheriff’s Station
The College of the Canyons Center for Civic and Community Engagement—in collaboration with COC’s Golden Z Club—invites the community to attend the Nonprofit Community Resource Fair on Tuesday, April 30.
April 30: COC Hosts Nonprofit Community Resource Fair
College of the Canyons made quick work of visiting L.A. Valley College in a shortened 11-3 home victory that came on a day in which the program unveiled its newly named Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room during a pre-game dedication ceremony.
Lady Cougs Outslug L.A. Valley 11-3
For aspiring scientists at The Master’s University, taking up a student research project is no small commitment.
Retired Professor Continues to Mentor Aspiring TMU Scientists
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is warning residents not to use a Vietnamese herbal ointment called “Cao Bôi Trĩ Cây Thầu Dầu” (Castor Oil Hemorrhoid Extract) because it contains lead and can be fatal.
Public Health Urges Residents to Avoid Vietnamese Hemorrhoid Cream
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a California Apprenticeship Summit Wednesday to raise awareness of apprenticeship opportunities and career technical education pathways that connect California’s youth to high-wage, high-growth career opportunities.
State Apprenticeship Summit Connects Youth to High-Wage Opportunities
College of the Canyons student-athletes Nichole Muro (softball) and Angelo Aleman (baseball) have been named the COC Athletic Department's Women's and Men's Student-Athletes of the Week for the period running April 8-13.
COC Names Nichole Muro, Angelo Aleman Athletes of the Week
California State Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, announced Wednesday his bill improving transparency between parents and schools’ sexual education curricula passed out of the Senate Education Committee.
Wilk’s Sex Education Transparency Bill Clears Senate Committee
1945 - Actors Harry & Olive Carey sell Saugus ranch after 29 years; now Tesoro del Valle [story]
Carey Ranch
The 76.6-mile-long Antelope Valley Line has the third-highest ridership in Metrolink’s system with an estimated average of 9,000 passengers daily. However, the uneven terrain and single-tracking along the line in some areas forces trains to travel at a slower speed which results in an estimated travel time of approximately one hour between Santa Clarita and Union Station.
Metrolink to Hold Public Meetings on AV Line Capacity, Improvements
Team Dragon Eyes, affectionately known as TDE, is gearing up to host its highly anticipated Fifth Annual Dragonboat Festival race on Saturday, June 1 at Castaic Lake, Lower Lagoon.
June 1: Team Dragon Eyes to Host Fifth Annual Dragonboat Festival Race
This year marks the 20th year that the city of Santa Clarita has been hosting the annual Bike to Work Challenge. The community is invited to celebrate by riding a bike to work the week of May 13, and stopping by a pit stop on Thursday, May 16.
Party at the Pit Stop, City Paves Way for 20th Annual Bike to Work Challenge
SCVNews.com