Last Updated on January 4, 2026 by The HD Post Staff

CALIFORNIA – Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating two separate officer-involved shootings (OIS) that occurred in Southern California on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. 

After being notified, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team launched investigations into each incident under AB 1506.

Fontana shooting

The first incident took place in Fontana at approximately 1:36 p.m., where police fatally shot a man in a Taco Bell parking lot after he allegedly rammed multiple vehicles.

Officers tried to detain the man, who was wanted for selling and trafficking narcotics, including fentanyl, police said. The man struck multiple police vehicles and a bystander’s car while officers tried to arrest him.

Police said at least one officer shot the man, who was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton and pronounced dead.

San Pedro shooting

In the second officer-involved shooting, LAPD Harbor Division officers responded to a New Year’s Eve domestic violence call in San Pedro. They fatally shot a suspect who allegedly fought with them.

Police were called to an apartment around 9:40 p.m. 

The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Lawrence Gonzales, refused to comply as officers confronted him inside the victim’s apartment. The struggle escalated when Gonzales tried to disarm officers, leading to the shooting, police said.

Two officers were injured, and Gonzales was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The officers also received treatment there.

Independent investigation

AB 1506 requires California’s DOJ to independently investigate officer-involved shootings resulting in death or serious injury.

Anyone with information related to either OIS incident may report it by calling (916) 210-2871. 

RELATED: California buyers can claim their share of $87.5 Million beef lawsuit settlement