Suspect shot by Tulare County Sheriff's deputies during traffic stop identified

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- The man who died after being shot by Tulare County Sheriff's deputies during a traffic stop in Pixley has been identified.

Officials say 28-year-old Gustavo Benitez pulled out a gun and fired at deputies after being in a car that was pulled over at Road 120 and Avenue 80.

The Tulare County Sheriff's Office has released body cam video of the confrontation.

Viewer discretion is advised.

It happened just before 11 p.m. Wednesday when a black Ford Mustang was traveling more than 100 miles per hour without the lights on.

Deputies say the driver eventually pulled into the driveway of a nearby home.

They removed three of the four suspects from the vehicle after finding alcohol and open containers inside.

That's when deputies say Benitez refused to leave the vehicle, pulled out a gun and opened fire. Two deputies returned fire, striking Benitez.

He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.

Investigators say two guns were found inside the vehicle, along with evidence of a shot being fired by Benitez.

Deputies arrested 18-year-old Kameron Compton, 21-year-old Alexander Fernandez, and 18-year-old Christian Ochoa... all from Pixley.

The three are facing several conspiracy and felony assault charges.

No deputies were hurt and those involved in the shooting were placed on paid administrative leave.

The Tulare Police Department has taken over the investigation.