Crime & Safety

District Attorney: March 1 Deputy-Involved Shooting in Yucaipa was Justified

A deputy-involved shooting in Yucaipa in March 2013, in which the suspect was found deceased a day later from apparent suicide, was justified, San Bernardino County District Attorney's staff announced Thursday.

The incident occurred about 11:30 a.m. March 1 in the 11000 block of 2nd St., when Deputy Shadia Adham was investigating Brian David Forrett, 51, for stalking, according to a D.A.'s report released Dec. 5.

"During their contact, Forrett pulled a gun and fired at Deputy Adham, who returned fire," D.A.'s personnel said in the report. "Forrett escaped in his car. The next day, Forrett's body was found inside his car. Cause of death appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot to the head."

Adham shot at Forrett in lawful self-defense, D.A.'s personnel said. Further, Forrett appeared to have committed suicide.

"Therefore, no criminal liability attaches to Deputy Adham's actions," D.A.'s personnel said.

Adham has been a deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department since 2003, according to the D.A. On March 1, she was on-duty and wearing a Class A uniform with badge and markings identifying her as a peace officer. She carried a Glock 17 9mm handgun that contained 18 rounds.

According to the D.A., during Adham's contact with Forrett, she decided to detain Forrett but he struggled. She used a taser two times on Forrett but it had no effect.

Then Forrett grabbed a gun from his waistband and under his shirt, pointed it at Adham, and threatened, "You’re gonna die b----!"

Forrett fired at least twice at Adham as she drew her gun, D.A.'s personnel said. Adham yelled at Forrett to drop the gun and she returned fire three or four times.

An autopsy later showed Forrett had a blood-alcohol level of 0.23 to .30 percent "and the presence of cannabinoids," according to the D.A.'s report.

The full report is at this link.

The District Attorney has not ruled on the fatal deputy-involved shooting of Merlin Factor, 25, on June 29, 2013.


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