Man recovering after being shot by deputy in Yucca Valley

A man is recovering in the hospital after being shot by an officer after allegedly refusing to drop his weapon in Yucca Valley Monday morning.

Deputies responded reports of suspicious persons running through multiple backyards in the area of Amador Avenue and Navajo Trail Jan. 8 at 7:30 am. Deputies were told the suspects were dressed in all black carrying an object covered in a tan blanket.

Upon arrival, deputies found a Caucasian female and male in the wash near Trojan Lane and Highway 62. According to a news release, the male suspect, later identified as Daryll Speer, was armed with a gun. Deputies ordered Speer to drop the weapon but he refused to comply and was shot by a deputy.

Speer was transported to the hospital for treatment and is expected to survive.

An investigation by the sheriff’s homicide investigators determined that Speer was entering unlocked vehicles and backyards in the area when he was seen. Two residents contacted the Sheriff’s Department to report that they were victims of theft.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation should contact Detective Arturo Alvarado at (909)387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline