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Inland Empire
Family sues after deputy shoots 18-year-old exiting Apple Valley home during intruder call
by: Jocelyn Fiset

Posted: Apr 1, 2026 / 12:41 PM PDT

Updated: Apr 1, 2026 / 05:17 PM PDT

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The family of an 18-year-old man shot three times by a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy last year and their attorney announced they’re filing a lawsuit against the department, seeking $5 million in damages over what they believe was a case of excessive force and mistaken identity.

The sheriff’s department is defending the deputy’s actions, arguing that some of the family’s claims are inaccurate.

The Brown family said the shooting happened in February 2025 in Apple Valley after they called 9-1-1 about a home intruder.

Video shows a deputy ringing the doorbell to their home, walking back, then waiting for more than a minute before trying again. He goes behind a pillar and, seconds later, the door opens.

Three people rush out and, as a fourth person exits, the deputy opens fire.

That fourth person was Elijah Brown, who was 18 years old at the time. He was shot three times by the deputy.

“They almost took my son’s life and i think God every day that my son is still here with me,” said mother Tamara Brown.

That night, Tamara Brown had called 9-1-1 because she thought someone was breaking into her house.

“Ms. Brown continued to communicate with a 9-1-1 dispatcher informing them, we are inside, I see the sheriff’s deputies have arrived,” family attorney Denisse Gastelum said.

She said the dispatcher advised her it was safe for them to exit the home. That’s when they said all of them rushed out.

In a release from the sheriff’s department dated last year, authorities said Elijah Brown was armed with a large knife as he ran out.

https://ktla.com/news/inland-empire/family-calls-for-justice-after-deputy-shoots-18-year-old-exiting-apple-valley-home/