Man Dies After Officer Involved Shooting in Trinity County

Shooting markers bullets

Stock photo by Oliver Cory

A deputy with the Trinity County Sheriff’s Department fired his weapon at a man believed to have been retrieving a firearm yesterday around 4 p.m. at the Indian Creek Trailer Park in Douglas City. The man died at the scene, according to Stephan Sleeper who is running the park.

“He just wouldn’t listen to what the officers were telling him to do,” Sleeper explained. “They shot him…The kid should have just backed away. He’d still be alive today.”

According to Sleeper who told us he watched the shooting last night, the young man had been in a dispute with a former girlfriend.

Sheriff Bruce Haney told the Trinity Journal that the young man was trying to force the woman into a car at gunpoint. Deputies responded and told the man to put his hands up.

Sleeper said the young man reached into the car to get something.

According to the Trinity Journal, that something was a firearm.

Sleeper explained that the officer then shot the suspect.

Afterwards, Sleeper said, there must have been 40 or 50 officers up here investigating after the shooting. “[The department of the shooting officer] can’t do their own investigation,” he explained, so the California Highway Patrol was called. However, because of the investigation into the serious accident involving a CHP officer that closed Hwy 101 yesterday, there was a shortage of those officers, Sleeper said, so then a Department of Justice team was brought in to conduct the investigation.

Neither the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office nor the California Highway Patrol responded to questions about the incident.

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65 Comments
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G-MAS
Guest
G-MAS
7 years ago

Very sad. Condolences to his family.im sorry the officer had to kill him. Bless you all. Glad the woman was unhurt

humkid
Guest
humkid
7 years ago

Love Hurts

TaylorMartin
Guest
TaylorMartin
7 years ago
Reply to  humkid

Yea, love is NOT supposed to hurt. Very sad for all concerned – such a tragedy.

Beth
Guest
Beth
7 years ago

I heard this call yesterday. And I have seen a post to this guys facebook page. Sounds like he was suicidal. It is very sad, and a lot of people are suffering because of what he did.

J
Guest
J
7 years ago

Love makes you do the stupidest shit in the world. Sorry to hear that girl had to go through that and that a young man’s mental health issues led to the end of his life. RIP

Shak
Guest
Shak
7 years ago

Aw man, prayers and condolences to all involved.

Gazoo
Guest
Gazoo
7 years ago

Sad

Bill Dance
Guest
Bill Dance
7 years ago

Chicks ain’t worth suicide

G-MAS
Guest
G-MAS
7 years ago
Reply to  Bill Dance

What???

$outlaw4life$
Guest
$outlaw4life$
7 years ago

Fucking piece of shot cop,I mean come on now really,the guy never fired a shot,get a grip man.you probably shot him with his back turned.you have to live with this now,you no that it was not nesasary to take his life.just caused you got that fucking badge you think you can just shoot and kill people,[edit] I pray that this haunts you for the rest of your fucking life.[edit]fucking the law cuz y’all are crooked!!!!!!!!…[edit]

Emma
Guest
Emma
7 years ago
Reply to  $outlaw4life$

Outlaw4life? Tells me all I need to know about you and your attitude towards law enforcement. You sound just like the kind of person they protect us from.

$outlaw4life$
Guest
$outlaw4life$
7 years ago
Reply to  Emma

Funny,no I just think it is vary wrong what some cops do.there are a lot of good cops out there don’t get me wrong

Black Rifles Matter
Guest
Black Rifles Matter
7 years ago
Reply to  $outlaw4life$

Trinity sheriffs department are the finest around. They have my support as well as most 99.9% of trinity county locals. You sound so ignorant not knowing the situation but spouting off.

River
Guest
River
7 years ago
Reply to  Emma

Amen

$outlaw4life$
Guest
$outlaw4life$
7 years ago
Reply to  Emma

Do you always judge a book by its cover?you are so wrong about me,but I apriciate your opinion everyone has the right to express there opinion.

Longer boats
Guest
Longer boats
7 years ago
Reply to  $outlaw4life$

I think you have some unresolved issues with cops. You don’t even know the whole story and you are posting law enforcement hate. It is a very sad situation for the young man and the officer. Pause with your jumping to conclusions please. If you were friends or family of the young man, I am very sorry for your loss and pain

$outlaw4life$
Guest
$outlaw4life$
7 years ago
Reply to  Longer boats

Not related nor do I no the family,and you could be right,I just hope it is justifiable is all.Ya guess I did go a little overboard,my apologies if I offended anyone as I am bad at that.

Gazoo
Guest
Gazoo
7 years ago
Reply to  $outlaw4life$

Thanks for stepping up and righting your wrong.

$outlaw4life$
Guest
$outlaw4life$
7 years ago
Reply to  Gazoo

Thanks but I never said I was wrong,I said I went a little over board and that you could be right.

Longer boats
Guest
Longer boats
7 years ago
Reply to  $outlaw4life$

Accepted. I can do the same thing sometimes. In the heat of the moment.

RYAN Elway
Guest
RYAN Elway
7 years ago
Reply to  $outlaw4life$

That one shot That wasn’t fired could have been that girlfriend; who could have been a mother, is a daughter. That one shot that wasn’t fired could have been the officer; mother/father, wife/husband. Or that one shot could have been your child, In the wrong place, at the wrong time. As a fellow first responder, I thank them for their courage to save a life. And yes, they will carry the baggage the rest of there life. That’s the price we pay, so another person can continue the fight, even for one more day.

J
Guest
J
7 years ago
Reply to  $outlaw4life$

Your upset about the loss of a life, very justifiable. I also hope the cop used non lethal methods before going for a gun. There are a lot of good cops in the world, but we have all seen first hand how the bad seeds give cops a bad name. Just like unethical growers give good ones a bad name.

$outlaw4life$
Guest
$outlaw4life$
7 years ago
Reply to  J

Unfortunately most cops are trigger happy,shoot first,ask questions later and get away with murder.

Alice
Guest
Alice
7 years ago
Reply to  $outlaw4life$

Oh please. You sound like the kind of Trinity County low life that gives the rest of is a bad name. Yeah- this guy could be nice. However he had a history a violence, theft, and drug charges. He held that girl at gun point. That’s not the kind of person that deserves another chance in this kind of situation.
0 contribution to society other than a welfare dependent baby mama= the rest of us owing him nothing.
Ever since high school we ALL knew this was how it would end up for him one way or another because he was a TROUBLE MAKER.

C
Guest
C
7 years ago
Reply to  Alice

First of all I am his “baby mama” and I am not welfare Dependant. I work my ass off to be able to give my daughter everything. Second Yes he made the wrong decisions but did he deserve to die? Absolutely not. Yes he was troubled but he needed someone to help him. There is two sides to every story and obviously you only got one side. No i was not on good terms with my daughters father but Your comment is absolutely unnecessary. And inconsiderate to the people who loved him.

$outlaw4life$
Guest
$outlaw4life$
7 years ago
Reply to  C

Just want to say I am so sorry for your loss,I pray that justice is served if necessary,AND I AM ON YOUR SIDE ALL THE WAY.prayers going out to the whole family.good luck,don’t do anything stupid,karma will do it for you.

Ryan
Guest
Ryan
7 years ago
Reply to  Alice

Talking about no good name for trinity county people. You’re part of the trash that gives human kind a bad name. How dare you say that about someone? Maybe you should take a look at yourself before you talk down about someone else. How pathetic.

Sandy
Guest
Sandy
7 years ago
Reply to  Alice

I watched that kid grow up and he was like a son to me and maybe a trouble maker, but he had a good heart and I will forever regret not being there for him during his hard times that no one so young should have to go through. [edit] So many people are in great pain over the loss of him and don’t deserve to read such hatred from you!

guest
Guest
guest
7 years ago
Reply to  $outlaw4life$

Outlaw4life. Your occupation suggests your life expectancy isn’t that high either.

$outlaw4life$
Guest
$outlaw4life$
7 years ago
Reply to  guest

I never said I’m perfect neither did i?

Jamara Knight
Guest
Jamara Knight
7 years ago
Reply to  guest

Now who’s making generalizations?

Life is Good
Guest
Life is Good
7 years ago
Reply to  $outlaw4life$

Take my advice. Don’t give up on finishing your GED.

Protected4life
Guest
Protected4life
7 years ago
Reply to  $outlaw4life$

To. Outlaw4life
If that was your mother,sister or maybe daughter would you have them shoot like they are trained or shoot to scare? Cops are trained to hopefully go home at the end of there shift if that means kill to protect the life of there self or others then they have every right to do so,as do we as ccw holders.my condolences to the family and friends of the boy who lost his life.

Guest
Guest
Guest
7 years ago
Reply to  Protected4life

by having a ccw you are held to a higher standard than the average person, you only have permission to carry a concealed weapon, in this state if you can flee you have too even if it puts others at risk and usually even in your home (I know stupid law), only as a very last resort will you possibly not be charged, please look into it as much as you can so you don’t make the worst mistake of your life. (Look into uscca they have videos training and even insurance) anyway glad you have your ccw, stay educated as you can and be safe out there, condolences to all involved

Steve
Guest
Steve
7 years ago
Reply to  $outlaw4life$

The line forms on the left…Get in it!

Guest
Guest
Guest
7 years ago
Reply to  Steve

??

Curiouser and curiouser
Guest
Curiouser and curiouser
7 years ago
Reply to  $outlaw4life$

So your sayin’ the officer should have waited for the guy to pick up the gun … so it was an even fight ? SMH the people who protect and serve in our area get treated like crap but still ..they show up and save lives! God bless our first responders!

Guest
Guest
Guest
7 years ago

if your referring to me you did not read what I wrote, the officer has every right to shoot. if you have your ccw however you will be going to prison.

Curiouser and curiouser
Guest
Curiouser and curiouser
7 years ago
Reply to  Guest

I was replying to the guy who was talking shit about the officer idk hoe it ended up posting to you ?

Guest
Guest
Guest
7 years ago

Ah i agree w u

Nancy Ayers
Guest
Nancy Ayers
7 years ago
Reply to  $outlaw4life$

Seriously???? Wow. I think you might just be a little confused [edit] I think anyone with even the slightest degree of gray matter and can see the sadness of ALL involved. The young woman that was clearly in a very troubled relationship, a clearly troubled young man that lost his life, and the brave officer/officers that put their lives on the line every single day they put their uniforms on, and the families of this tragedy. NO officer goes to work and hoping to shoot another human being.

Perspective
Guest
Perspective
7 years ago
Reply to  $outlaw4life$

You must be some fake ass outlaw. What, did you just realize how it is? The man grabbed a gun after ignoring all commands by the officers. It doesn’t sound like they came in guns blazing. He had his chance. Like cops or not, the punk was in the wrong.

guest
Guest
guest
7 years ago

Condolences to the family

Anon Forrest
Guest
Anon Forrest
7 years ago
Reply to  guest

Absolutely. On both counts. Thanks.

Micheal
Guest
Micheal
7 years ago

That was my nephew and I would appreciate that those who bad mouth him . Just keep it to your selfs. For respect for the family

Micheal
Guest
Micheal
7 years ago

That was my nephew and I would appreciate that those who bad mouth him . Just keep it to your selfs. For respect for the family . My prays to my brother and his family . If one can not say anything nice dont say anything at all.

Black Rifles Matter
Guest
Black Rifles Matter
7 years ago
Reply to  Micheal

It’s a public blog. Freedom of speech. This isn’t Berkeley. Kudos to the deputy.

J
Guest
J
7 years ago

Praying for you, only the sickest individual would write something like that to an innocent stranger who lost a family member. Hope you find happiness and empathy.

Black Rifles Matter
Guest
Black Rifles Matter
7 years ago
Reply to  J

Prayers not needed. I have happiness in my life as you say I need.. The deputy saved the young woman… and probably others from a hostage situation. If I am a sick individual for supporting the sheriffs dept, then so be it. I sleep well at night knowing it. Ps he’s not a stranger to me, he lives in my direct community and I in fact know them. Michael just doesn’t want people talking about the victims troubled life. Which it was. Troubled.

J
Guest
J
7 years ago
Reply to  Micheal

Condolences on your loss. I hope time lessons the pain.

:(
Guest
:(
7 years ago

Why are we paying for non-lethal weaponry if they never use it???? Eve

Black Rifles Matter
Guest
Black Rifles Matter
7 years ago
Reply to  :(

He had a gun. You don’t bring a taser to a gunfight.

Micheal
Guest
Micheal
7 years ago

That is the big question

Lewiston
Guest
Lewiston
7 years ago

Rest in peace! Condolences to those who knew him and loved him. When one watches a happy child grow into a man, ones hopes that he will live a happy life-filled with possibilities. Unfortunately, choices are made and a path is chosen. This ending is heart breaking for all those involved.

Micheal
Guest
Micheal
7 years ago
Reply to  Lewiston

Thank for your comment

Lewiston
Guest
Lewiston
7 years ago
Reply to  Micheal

My heart goes out to you and all his family members. Know that tonight he is being remembered as the smiling child, talented athlete, and as a young man who only showed me the utmost respect.

COPS 10 dangerous Job PGE lineman 6th most dangerous job
Guest
COPS 10 dangerous Job PGE lineman 6th most dangerous job
7 years ago

Family member is a federal marshal out side of Manhattan .He says they apprehend the worst of the worst and they always take them alive .He said cops are pussy’s and afraid .He said once in a while you have to get Physical and kick some ass to apprehend them.He also said any one can easily shoot someone

Longer boats
Guest
Longer boats
7 years ago

There is always a rivalry of sorts between local law enforcement and Feds, marshalls, etc. I expect bravado comments from the marshalls and Feds. Doesn’t make it true. Cops are pussies and afraid? Hmmmm. Your family member sounds like he is ego driven. Should be supporting other law enforcement. How much backup do marshalls have in Manhattan? Probably more than Trinity County.

Constant Vigilance
Guest
Constant Vigilance
7 years ago

Thank God and the good sheriff for saving the young woman’s life. Men are supposed to protect their significant others. They are not supposed to be the ones they need protection from. This man caused his own death by escalating to the use of a firearm. Because he picked up a deadly weapon, that makes the use of a deadly weapon against him OK. Don’t allow your children to witness domestic violence or this cycle never ends. Don’t blame the woman and don’t look for excuses for the man. Don’t minimize. Don’t deny.

Black Rifles Matter
Guest
Black Rifles Matter
7 years ago

100 percent agree with you. Trinity sheriffs dept is great. Good men and women who care about and love their communities.

No ego no problems
Guest
No ego no problems
7 years ago

The real problem is police today, are scared weak people who surround themselves with like minded people, train themselves to shoot and kill like a feeding frenzy, and so pumped up to do so. The kid just needed help,not to be shot.everyone knows This didn’t need to happen. I hope the cop is accountable for his actions, good or bad, The kid got shot in the neck then in the chest three times. Crazy to except justifiable when he had no gun in his hand at that time.

Black Rifles Matter
Guest
Black Rifles Matter
7 years ago

Wow. Ok… the kid HAD problems. I am from trinity and know exactly who the victim is and what he was into. The cop got to go home to his family, the girlfriend was safe. They did their job. I am not happy about the situation, but blaming the cop for the kids young mans actions that lead up to this event happening is just baloney.

E
Guest
E
7 years ago

Mental illness, (depression, addiction) is the real killer here… judging and assuming has absolutely no purpose but to boast the writer’s own ego and prejudices.

No one knew what he was thinking, what his reality entailed, or the haunting demons in his head, no one has that knowledge about anyone . So at the end of the day, the week, month and years for those of us that knew him, we’ll forever be different, and at times wonder if there was anything we could have done to have saved him from himself.

Eventually we will all be meeting the same fate but when it’s at such a young age it is always tragedy regardless of the method. We are supposed to go before our kids not the other way around.

Our sweet “Jay” finally at peace, and on your way to the light to become our and your baby girl’s guardian angel.

If I Die Young
See You Again
In the arms of an angel

I pray his family find the strength to cope with this tragedy.

Wildmtnhoney
Guest
Wildmtnhoney
7 years ago

As usual there’s alot more to this not being spoke of that lead up to this saddened incident, the young man who died and the ex had recently split up due to trauma from the loss of a baby and it went bad, no one has spoken about him looking for her the day before and going to someone’s home and arguing with them, he was asked to leave, he did and immediately went back inside and pulled a gun and held 5 people hostage for an hour, (one of them was my granddaughter, so i know all of these kids involved) the ex convinced him to leave, the sheriff’s dept was notified, he was then on the run, seriously i don’t think he cared about the out come, those who were held hostage are all devastated and saddened by the loss of a friend and all very traumatized due to all incidents leading up to this, so sad and so young, my prayers are with all involved…

Barrack Obama
Guest
Barrack Obama
7 years ago

I agree love hurts, but doesn’t hurt others. Sounds more like jealousy, not love.