California Attorney General Rob Bonta has released a report concerning the officer-involved shooting of Kyle Sostek in Sugar Loaf, California. The incident, which occurred on March 12, 2023, involved an officer from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department (SBSD). The release of this report is part of the California Department of Justice's (DOJ) ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices.
Attorney General Bonta stated, “This was a tragic situation with a tragic outcome. I sincerely hope this report provides the community with the answers they've been waiting for. The California Department of Justice aims to partner with law enforcement to build a just and equitable legal environment, ensuring that the rule of law is upheld, and justice is accessible to everyone.”
The investigation revealed that Mr. Sostek had an outstanding parole warrant and was considered armed and dangerous at the time of the incident. During a pursuit by SBSD deputies, Mr. Sostek stopped his vehicle at a dead-end road and exited it simultaneously as an SBSD deputy did. He then ran towards the deputy with his arm extended, prompting the deputy to shoot multiple times, resulting in Mr. Sostek's death. It was later determined that Mr. Sostek did not possess a deadly weapon.
Under Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), which mandates DOJ investigations into all officer-involved shootings resulting in unarmed civilian deaths within California, DOJ conducted its inquiry into this case. They concluded there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the deputy acted without intent to defend himself or others from perceived imminent danger.
The DOJ also made four policy recommendations for SBSD following their investigation: placing deputies involved in shootings in separate vehicles post-incident; providing refresher training on evidence preservation; revising body-worn camera policies; and considering installing in-car video systems in patrol units.
A copy of the full report is available online.