Yucca Valley man shot by deputy after false murder report, suspect fired at police

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - A 30-year-old man remains hospitalized after a deputy-involved shooting started by a false report of murder Monday night in Yucca Valley.

The incident started at around 11:10 p.m. in the area of Joshua Lane and Joshua Drive.

Detectives said the suspect called police and said they shot and killed a person. Deputies arrived to the scene and found the suspect in the desert armed with a handgun.

Authorities said the suspect "ignored commands from deputies to drop the weapon and fired the handgun." A lethal force encounter then occurred and the suspect was struck by gunfire. Deputies began life-saving measures until paramedics arrived and took over medical care.  The suspect remains in the the hospital, there was no word on his condition. 

During the initial report on Tuesday, authorities noted that one person had been hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

No deputies were injured.

Deputies searched the area but did not locate a murder victim.

Detectives from Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division responded and assumed the investigation. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78 CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.