Modesto Police Shoot and Kill Man During Arrest Attempt at Motel 6; Weapon Later Found to Be BB Gun
Modesto, California — A late-night attempt to take a wanted man into custody at a Modesto motel ended in a fatal officer-involved shooting after the suspect allegedly pointed what appeared to be a weapon at police, authorities said.
The incident occurred on Friday, November 29, 2019, shortly after 9 p.m., at the Motel 6 located at 1920 West Orangeburg Avenue in northwest Modesto.
Officers Assist Bail Bondsman
According to the Modesto Police Department, officers were dispatched to the motel to assist a bail bondsman who was attempting to take a wanted subject into custody.
The suspect was identified asRaymond Lee, 54, of Modesto, who was wanted on multiple outstanding felony warrants.
Confrontation Inside Motel Room
Police said officers made contact with Lee inside a motel room. During that contact, Lee allegedlybrandished a weapon toward the officers, creating what authorities described as an immediate threat.
In response, two Modesto police officers discharged their firearms, striking Lee.
Suspect Pronounced Dead at Scene
Lee was fatally wounded during the shooting and was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency response efforts.
Investigators later determined that the weapon Lee was holding was a BB gun, police confirmed.
Officers Identified, Placed on Administrative Leave
The officers involved in the shooting were identified as:
- Officer Jeffrey Brandon, a three-year veteran of the Modesto Police Department
- Officer Cameron Irinaga, a one-year veteran of the department
Neither officer was injured during the incident.
Both officers were placed on paid administrative leave, which police emphasized isstandard procedure following any officer-involved shooting and does not indicate wrongdoing.
Multiple Investigations Launched
In accordance with department policy, three separate investigations were initiated following the fatal shooting:
- Criminal investigationconducted by the Modesto Police Department
- Administrative investigation conducted by the Modesto Police Department
- Independent review conducted by the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office
Officials said these investigations will examine whether the officers’ actions were justified under California law and departmental policy.
Police Statement
Police officials noted that officers must make split-second decisions when confronted with what appears to be a deadly threat.
“At the time of the incident, officers believed the suspect was armed with a firearm,” the department said in a statement. “The totality of the circumstances will be reviewed through multiple independent investigations.”
Conclusion
What began as an effort to assist a bail bondsman escalated into a deadly encounter after a suspect allegedly pointed what appeared to be a weapon at police. Although the weapon was later determined to be a BB gun, authorities say officers responded based on the perceived threat at the moment.
The results of the investigations will determine whether the officers’ use of force was legally justified. Further information will be released as those reviews are completed.
