MODESTO – Authorities with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office released a video Wednesday detailing a shooting that happened on Sunday September 27th, 2020.
On that day, deputies with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 800 block of Business Park Drive shortly before 5:00am for a report of a silent burglary alarm. Arriving deputies located a man in his 40’s outside of a building.
Deputies made contact with the man and attempted to get him to comply with orders. The video shows the man refusing to be detained. Deputies used less than lethal weapons and a K-9 to subdue him, but he struggled while they tried to take him into custody. During the struggle, he appears to have a small axe in his hand. Shots were fired, striking the suspect. He was identified as 41 year old Eloy Gonzalez.
Authorities say the Gonzalez was armed with a hatchet, and two deputies sustained injuries. Deputies provided aid to the Gonzalez, who was rushed to a hospital by ambulance where he died.
Both deputies were also treated at a hospital and later released.
Officials said the deputies will be assigned to administrative duties while an investigation is conducted. The District Attorney’s Office also conducts their own investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In the video released, Sheriff Jeff Dirkse stated the investigation will determine wether the deputies were justified in discharging their weapons, or if any policies were violated.
