HESPERIA – A Hesperia man was hospitalized after threats to harm his family led to a deputy-involved shooting on Tuesday.
Just after 9:30 p.m., deputies from the Hesperia Station responded to a home in the 11800 block of Hemlock Avenue in the City of Hesperia for the report of their armed man threatening his family. When they arrived, they found Oligario Puente, 32, armed with a knife on the south side of the home. Deputies immediately attempted to de-escalate the situation and communicate with Puente, but Puente did not respond to deputy commands asking him to drop the knife. With the knife still in his hand, Puente walked toward a deputy and a Taser was deployed in an attempt to stop him. The Taser was ineffective and Puente ran to a vehicle and attempted to start it. He then attempted to enter the home.
Deputies attempted to tell Puente to drop his weapon, but he continued to ignore their commands. In an attempt to prevent any injuries to the deputies or the public, deputies used lethal bean bag munitions, which also had no effect on Puente. Puente again walked toward the deputies, still armed with the knife leading to a deputy-involved shooting. Puente was injured and was transported to the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center for treatment. Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives responded to conduct the investigation.
Puente was arrested while at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and was later booked into the West Valley Detention Center. He is scheduled to appear at the Victorville Superior Court on Friday, December 7, 2018. He is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Homicide Detail, Detective Max Kunzman at (909)387-3589. Callers can remain anonymous and contact WeTip at (800)78-CRIME or www.wetip.com
