Deputy Shoots Suspect Armed With a Knife in Riverside County, California

 

Riverside County, California — November 12, 2022: A parolee with an active felony warrant was fatally shot by a Riverside County Sheriff’s deputy after allegedly brandishing a large knife during a traffic stop in the community of Cabazon. The incident occurred on a Saturday afternoon and is now under investigation by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., a deputy from the Cabazon Sheriff’s Station was conducting routine patrol when he observed a man riding a bicycle on the wrong side of the street along Carmen Avenue, just west of Rafael Street. The man, later identified as 38-year-old Wallis Kenneth Scott, was known to the deputy and recognized as having an outstanding felony arrest warrant related to a parole violation.

Recognizing the public safety concern and the opportunity to detain a wanted individual, the deputy initiated a traffic enforcement stop. The deputy exited his vehicle and attempted to make contact with Scott. However, Scott was immediately uncooperative, refusing to comply with the deputy’s instructions. Rather than stopping as directed, he attempted to flee the scene on his bicycle, prompting the deputy to pursue him on foot.

The deputy managed to catch up to Scott and attempted to detain him, but the situation quickly escalated. During the confrontation, Scott reached into his pocket and pulled out a large knife. Fearing for his safety, the deputy drew his service weapon. According to preliminary findings from the Sheriff's Department, Scott failed to comply with verbal commands to drop the weapon and continued to pose an imminent threat.

A deputy-involved shooting occurred as Scott allegedly brandished the knife in close proximity to the deputy. The deputy discharged his firearm, striking Scott, who fell to the ground. The entire encounter unfolded in a matter of moments, escalating from a routine stop to a deadly confrontation.

Following the shooting, the deputy immediately took control of the situation and rendered emergency medical aid to Scott. The deputy also called for backup and emergency medical services. Paramedics from Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department responded quickly to the scene. Despite life-saving efforts, Scott was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The deputy involved in the shooting was not injured during the encounter. As per standard protocol in incidents involving the use of deadly force, he has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing. Investigators from the Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit responded to the scene to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess the events leading up to the shooting.

A large knife, consistent with the deputy’s description, was recovered at the scene and secured as evidence. Authorities are reviewing body-worn camera footage, dispatch records, and other materials as part of their comprehensive investigation. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office will conduct a parallel review to determine whether the use of force was legally justified.

Members of the community expressed concern following the incident, particularly regarding the use of deadly force during a traffic-related encounter. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the suspect’s actions—including the production of a deadly weapon and the refusal to surrender—necessitated a rapid and defensive response by the deputy.

The Sheriff’s Department stated that additional information, including body camera footage and a full investigative report, will be released to the public once the investigation is complete and all legal requirements are met.

This marks another instance of a routine stop escalating into a life-threatening confrontation, underscoring the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of law enforcement duties. Authorities continue to urge anyone with additional information or eyewitness accounts to come forward to assist with the investigation.