Pinon Hills Officer-Involved Shooting Found to be Legally Justified

SAN BERNARDINO – The officer involved shooting of 53-year-old Brian Curran of Pinon Hills has been determined by District Attorney investigations to be legally justified. The incident took place on January 21, 2014, at around 4:30 p.m. when a neighbor alerted the wife of Curran that he was on the property.

Curran’s wife of 20 years had just, that day she has requested and was granted a restraining order against her husband, who had become increasingly threatening recently saying to her, “I should just snap your neck and slit your throat.” He had recently been abusing drugs and alcohol which caused Curran to become aggressive and angry. His wife was not home at the time of his arrival so she called police to report that she was afraid to go home because he was at her home.

Deputy Ash arrived on scene and saw Curran standing near the open front door of the home. Curran began walking toward a white Ford pickup truck with his arms folded near his chest when he saw the deputy. He reached inside the truck. Deputy Ash parked the patrol car and approached Curran ordering him out of the truck. Curran shouted at the deputy and refused to comply.

The deputy drew his gun again ordering Curra from the truck. As he did Curran put the truck into drive while around 15 feet from Deputy Ash and accelerated toward him at a high rate of speed. Deputy Ash fired 8-10 shots toward the truck. The truck crashed into the patrol car and continued through the chain link fence and continuing on. Deputy Ash broadcasted that shots were fired and as he attempted to catch Curran.
Soon after Deputy Ash lost sight of Curran and returned to the scene. The California Highway Patrol and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s helicopter pursued Curran at high speeds until he was apprehended on 48th and H Streets in the City of San Bernardino.

Curran was transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center for the treatment of one non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his back. While in the hospital, he spoke to authorities admitting about his struggles with addiction. He also did admit to steering toward Officer Ash saying he did not mean to harm him, and that he was only attempting to flee. Curran told detectives that Deputy Ash acted appropriately considering the situation that he was placed in.

Curran was charged with felony reckless evading and assault against a peace officer. He was later, on July 14, 2014, convicted of Assault against a peace officer and was sentenced to 3 years in prison.

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