New video released shows moments before Tulare County deputies fatally shoot 38-year-old man

Updated 13 minutes ago
TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A newly released video and images show the moments leading up to the fatal shooting of a 38-year-old man by Tulare County Sheriff's deputies during a welfare check south of Tulare.

Authorities said the May 20 encounter involved Michael Pinon, who was shot and killed after deputies responded to a home in the area.

The video captures deputies as they move to draw their weapons.

According to the Tulare County Sheriff's Office, the image shows a black object raised in Pinon's hand, which was later determined to be a cell phone.

Deputies believed the object was a weapon and two deputies fired a total of three shots.



Investigators said Pinon did not have permission to be on the property. In the lead-up to the shooting, officials noted the home's door showed noticeable damage and appeared to have been forcibly opened.

Authorities also reported that illegal drugs were found inside the home.

Prior to the incident, investigators said Pinon had been arrested nine times within the past three years.

Initial toxicology results indicated he was under the influence of methamphetamine and cocaine at the time of the shooting.

The California Department of Justice is investigating the shooting.
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