September 22, 2023 - San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at approximately 7:02 p.m., deputies with the Hesperia Police Department were dispatched to a residence in the 13200 block of Sunland Street, to investigate a reported home invasion robbery. It was reported the resident was hiding in a room inside the house and unknown, armed subjects were inside the residence.

When the deputy arrived, a male subject exited the house wearing a mask and armed with a handgun. The subject pointed the gun at the deputy and a lethal force encounter occurred. The subject continued to advance on the deputy, who took cover behind a vehicle. Additional deputies arrived to assist, and the subject was struck by gunfire. The first responding deputy received minor injuries during the incident and was treated at a hospital and released. The subject was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division responded and assumed the investigation. After an extensive investigation, it was determined the occupant of the residence, Abel Valensia, falsely reported the home invasion robbery and Valensia was the armed subject who exited the house to advance on the responding deputy. Valensia’s handgun was determined to be a BB gun. The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Ian Gosswiller, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.

DATE/TIME: September 20, 2023, 7:02 p.m.

INCIDENT: Lethal Force Encounter

LOCATION: 13200 block of Sunland Street, Hesperia

SUSPECT(S): Abel Valensia, 43-year-old male resident of Hesperia

Case No. DR#192306325 / H#2023-105

Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department