LANCASTER, CA — Bodycam Footage Released in Fatal Deputy-Involved Shooting of Erick Berrios

LANCASTER, CA — Bodycam Footage Released in Fatal Deputy-Involved Shooting of Erick Berrios

LANCASTER, CA — The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has released body-worn camera footage related to the June 7, 2025 deputy-involved shooting in Lancaster that resulted in the death of 31-year-old Erick Berrios. The video, made public in an effort to promote transparency and accountability, offers critical insight into the sequence of events leading up to and during the fatal encounter on 10th Street West and Avenue J-12.

The footage follows a surge of community speculation and misinformation following the incident. LASD officials stated that the release was delayed until enough facts could be confirmed and initial investigations were underway. The video is part of the department’s broader commitment to public transparency, particularly in high-profile use-of-force incidents.

What the Video Shows

According to the preliminary incident report released by LASD, on the evening of June 7 at approximately 7:07 p.m., deputies from the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station responded to a 911 call reporting an armed robbery near the 1200 block of Meadow View Circle. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male adult wearing a black shirt and jeans, last seen fleeing eastbound on foot.

While canvassing the area, a deputy spotted Erick Berrios in the 1000 block of West Avenue J-12, matching the suspect’s description. Believing Berrios could be the robbery suspect, the deputy detained him at gunpoint and radioed for backup.

As additional deputies arrived and attempted to place Berrios into custody, he physically resisted arrest. Despite repeated verbal commands to stop resisting, Berrios allegedly continued to struggle. During the altercation, he reportedly armed himself with a 9mm ghost gun. A deputy deployed a TASER in an attempt to subdue Berrios. However, at the same moment, Berrios fired his weapon, striking a deputy in the lower torso.

In response to the gunfire, a deputy-involved shooting occurred.

Aftermath and Response

Deputies rendered emergency medical aid to Berrios while awaiting the arrival of Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics. Unfortunately, Berrios was pronounced dead at the scene. A loaded 9mm semiautomatic ghost gun—a firearm without a serial number and often assembled from parts—was recovered next to his body.

The deputy who was shot was transported by ambulance to a local hospital and admitted for treatment. He survived the injury and is currently recovering. No other deputies or civilians were injured during the encounter.

Oversight and Ongoing Investigation

The scene was processed by LASD Homicide investigators, who also conducted witness interviews and collected forensic evidence. In keeping with standard protocol for officer-involved shootings, multiple oversight bodies were notified and present, including:

•Office of the Inspector General (OIG)

•Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB)

•Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office – Justice System Integrity Division (JSID)

The investigation remains active. Once the criminal investigation is complete, it will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office to assess whether the use of deadly force violated any criminal statutes. Separately, LASD’s internal review will determine whether the deputies’ actions aligned with department policies, training, and tactical standards.

Community Reactions and Public Statement

In a statement accompanying the release of the video, LASD said:

“We understand the gravity of any incident involving the loss of life. Our commitment to transparency and accountability is unwavering. As we work to determine exactly what happened, we ask the public to review the available information with an open mind.”

Though community members have expressed concern and grief following Berrios’ death, others have voiced support for the deputies’ actions in the face of lethal force. Public officials have urged calm and patience while all facts are gathered and independently reviewed.

What Comes Next

•The criminal case will be evaluated by the District Attorney’s Office.

•The internal LASD review will focus on whether the force used complied with departmental guidelines.

•Public forums and discussions are expected as more information becomes available.

In the meantime, the LASD encourages anyone with information relevant to the robbery investigation or the events of June 7 to contact the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station or Homicide Bureau.

This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.