Victorville Police identify man shot and killed after pointing gun at deputies

VICTORVILLE, Calif. (VVNG.com)— Authorities identified a man that was shot and killed after pointing his gun at deputies as Daniel David Messmer, 24, of Apple Valley.

The incident took place about 4:15 pm, in the 17900 block of Bear Valley Road at the Shell gas station within close proximity of the Victor Valley College.

The reports of a man with a gun prompted a response from Victorville deputies, the sheriff’s aviation helicopter and officers from VVC police.

A witness told detectives that Messmer was armed with a handgun and appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance, according to a sheriff’s news release.

A witness who spoke to Victor Valley News on condition of anonymity said she was driving by and saw a man sitting down in the field to the east of the Shell holding a handgun towards his head.

Authorities said that when deputies arrived they found Messmer in the desert armed with a handgun.

“Deputies gave multiple commands, pleading with the suspect to drop his weapon. The suspect failed to comply with the deputies’ commands and pointed his gun at the deputies. Fearing for their safety and the safety of nearby citizens, a deputy-involved shooting occurred,” stated the news release.

Sheriff’s officials haven’t commented on the number of rounds fired but multiple witnesses described hearing a barrage of gunfire.

First responders arrived on scene and pronounced Messmer deceased.

Detectives from the Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail responded to the scene to conduct the investigation. 

Authorities said no additional information wa being released at this time. Updates will be issued as new information becomes available for release. 

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact the Specialized Investigations Division, Detective Simon DeMuri at (909) 387-3589. Callers can remain anonymous and contact WeTip at (800)78-CRIME or www.wetip.com. 

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