Apple Valley Suspect Produces Handgun Following Foot Pursuit, Prompting a Deputy-Involved Shooting 

October 16, 2026 – San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials report that on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at approximately 8:03 p.m., Victorville Station deputies conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation near Seventh Street and Lacy Street in Victorville.

During the stop, deputies attempted to detain passenger Rodney James Thompson, who fled on foot. After a deputy attempted to stop him, Thompson broke free and continued fleeing toward a strip mall in the 15100 block of Seventh Street.

A deputy deployed a Taser, causing Thompson to fall. Thompson then produced a handgun, prompting a deputy-involved shooting. Deputies immediately provided medical aid until paramedics arrived, and Thompson was transported to a local hospital. No deputies were injured.

The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division responded and assumed the investigation. A handgun recovered at the scene was reported stolen. Investigators also determined Thompson is a convicted felon who was out on bail for a recent arrest. Thompson was discharged from the hospital and booked at High Desert Detention Center. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text “REPORT” to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. Online reporting is also available at https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.

DATE: October 13, 2026, at 8:03 p.m.
INCIDENT: Deputy Involved Shooting
LOCATION: Seventh Street / Lacy Street, Victorville
SUSPECT(S): Rodney James Thompson, 46-years-old, Resident of Apple Valley
Refer:  Detective Ryan Grissom or Sergeant Bryan Sprague
Station: Specialized Investigations Division
Phone No. 909-890-4904
Case No. DR# 172613557 H# 2026-089

Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department