APPLE VALLEY – The suspect involved in the Memorial Day shooting at an Apple Valley Target store parking lot was involved in an exchange of gunfire with deputies on Tuesday evening.
On Monday, May 29, 2017, the suspect, later identified as Dearld Wicker, 41, of Apple Valley was involved in a verbal altercation in the Target Parking lot located at 20288 Highway 18 near Dale Evans Parkway. The altercation involved the suspect, an adult male who ultimately became a victim, and several other subjects. During the altercation, Wicker allegedly pulled out a small caliber firearm and shot the victim in the back of the head. Deputies arrived and requested medical aid for the victim, who was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center and subsequently airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center where he is being treated with non-life-threatening. Wicker fled the scene prior to deputy arrival.
On Tuesday, May 30, 2017, deputies released the photo of suspect Dearld Wicker. An arrest warrant for Wicker was obtained by San Bernardino County deputies. At around 6:08 deputy approached the suspect in the 25600 block of Flathead Road in the County area of Apple Valley . The suspect armed with a firearm fired at the deputy. The deputy returned fire and the suspect went back into the home.
The deputy called for backup and medical aid for the suspect who he believed was injured. The deputy told emergency personnel to stage outside of the area for their safety. Shortly after the suspect called 911 to report that he was unable to move to get out of the house because of his injuries. He went on to say that he both legs were “destroyed”, both arms, and his face. Per scanner traffic, the suspect began to groan, breath heavily, and became difficult to understand.
Deputies were told to approach the home, enter, and go a few feet into the home while communicating with the suspect. The deputies followed commands and the suspect was found lying on the ground in the hallway suffering from 4-5 gunshot wounds to his right arm and his face. Medical aid was called in to drive up the long driveway. The suspect was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center where he was to be airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center. No other injuries were reported as a result of the shooting. Sheriff’s Homicide Detail responded to conduct the deputy involved shooting investigation.
It is unclear if the suspect was airlifted and his current condition remains unknown. Information will be updated as it becomes available. Anyone with information is urged to contact Sheriff’s Homicide Detail, Detective Lisa Guerra 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 at www.wetip.com.
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