Authorities Friday identified a sheriff’s deputy and victim in a deputy-involved shooting earlier this week in Imperial Beach.
Deputy Maxwell Hammond, who has worked for three years with the San Diego County Sheriff’s office and is currently assigned to the Imperial Beach Substation, was identified as the deputy involved. Gary Gates of Evansville, Indiana, 51, was identified as the victim in the Dec. 21 shooting, according to the San Diego Police Department.
Earlier in the week, friends had told NBC 7 his name was Gary Gates, adding that he was homeless and living by the pier. They also said that we was troubled but kind. Flowers, candles and chalk messages decorated a memorial where he was shot.
“At about 1:38 p.m., two San Diego County sheriff’s deputies and a sergeant were contacted by Gates near the Imperial Beach Pier, at 940 Seacoast Drive,” said SDPD PIO Cesar Jimenez. “During the contact, Gates stepped away from the deputies and produced a knife, making statements consistent with wanting to be shot by the deputies, then advanced toward them holding the knife in his hand.”
Jimenez said Deputy Hammond reacted by “firing multiple shots toward Gates, striking him at least once.”
Gates was then transported to a local hospital for treatment. “He did not survive his injuries,” said Jimenez.
SDPD homicide detectives were called in to investigate per the countywide memorandum of understanding regarding officer-involved shootings, an extremely thorough review process, according to SDPD. The Dec. 21 shooting will be reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine if Hammond bears any criminal liability for his actions.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office will also review the investigation for any violations of policy. The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will also be monitoring the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this shooting is urged to call the Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
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