The Lancaster Loudmouth
you are not helping
There is an odd phenomenon that occurs when (some) uninvolved individuals find themselves in proximity to police officers who are actively fighting to gain control of violent suspects.
The script seems to be: Bust out the cell phone, record, and scream wildly at the cops.
What Happened
On June, 7, 2025 in Lancaster, California deputies responded to reports of an armed robbery. A deputy that was searching the area for the suspect located Erick Berrios - who was in the immediate area and matched the description of the suspect.
The deputy (reasonably) believed that Berrios was armed (and had just committed a violent felony) and detained him at gunpoint.
Berrios refused to follow commands to “turn around” and as the deputy went to grab his arm - Berrios ran from the deputy. This turned out to be a 3 second foot pursuit as Berrios ran right into other deputies that had arrived on scene.
Berrios resisted arrest and struggled with deputies and they ended up in a pile on the ground. The deputies were attempting to move Berrios’ arms behind his back and Berrios was attempting to reach into his waistband.
Deputies utilized empty hand strikes and the deployment of a Taser to gain control of Berrios, but those less lethal force options were not successful.
The Loudmouth
It was at this point that a group of people showed up on scene - led by a loudmouth who was seemingly born to play this role. She whipped out her cell phone, started recording, and proceeded to scream and complain about the force that was being utilized by the deputies.
A deputy instructed the onlookers to not move any closer, but they knew better and crowded over the deputies like uptight administrators monitoring a protest.
The Use of Deadly Force
It was at this point, just after the loudmouth yelled, “They are hitting him!” that Berrios was able to reach into his waistband, grab a handgun, and fire at the deputies. One deputy was struck and sustained a gunshot to his lower torso.
The other deputies on scene unleashed a hailstorm of bullets until the immediate deadly threat was over…forever.
Analysis
Berrios resisted a lawful arrest after committing a violent felony.
Deputies utilized less lethal force options (empty hand tactics and a Taser) during their efforts to get Berrios handcuffed.
The demonstrates generous restraint utilized by deputies, as they knew he was likely armed with a gun.
Berrios produced a gun and shot a deputy.
Deadly force was not utilized by deputies until AFTER Berrios posed an immediate deadly threat.
**The use of deadly force by deputies was objectively reasonable, in accordance to training, and within every law in existence.
Always Expect Liars
As in most Officer-Involved-Shootings the liars and activists showed up and did not disappoint.
Outraged “community activists” publicly claimed that witnesses at the scene said that Berrios never fired a weapon.
Alayna Senabre (the fiance of Berrios) stated, "He never got up to shoot anybody. He didn't even get the chance to, he was handcuffed.”
(link to a local news story that highlighted the liars)
Does she know?
Does the loudmouth know that her actions likely helped to end the life of Berrios?
The loudmouth was complaining about ‘police brutality’ and ‘excessive force’.
However, it is quite obvious that if the deputies had used higher levels of force, quicker - that a fatal police shooting may have been avoided1. My point - using less force against Berrios during the struggle would only have accelerated his ability to get ahold of his gun.
So, the more that the deputies listened to the loudmouth - the greater the chance that deadly force would be utilized.
Final Thoughts
Police officers who are fighting with a suspect - know more about the situation than random bystanders.
Higher levels of force utilized quicker by police officers is often the ONLY chance to handcuff violent suspects safely.
Record from a distance…. And. Shut the fuck up.
Distracting and harassing law enforcement officers while they are actively engaged in street fights with violent felons is incredibly ignorant and short-sighted.
YOU ARE NOT HELPING
*Our preference at PLN in less violence between police officers and suspects.
**The preference of those determined to demonize and harass police officers is to capture a viral video - with no regard for the safety of police officers or suspects.
***Most importantly*** The deputy has been listed in “critical but stable condition”. Hoping for a full recovery.
**To be clear ** The force used by deputies in this case was solely dependent upon the illegal resistance offered by Berrios.
Another excellent article. Lancaster you say? Is this the same Lancaster where LASD Sheriff Robert Luna held the press conference about the WinCo robbery suspects where he served his young deputy on a silver platter to the media and to the DOJ, but didn’t release the 911 call pursuant to my public records request? That deputy was convicted in Federal court. This is yet another example of a lack of leadership when you take into account the citizens are running the county, and not to mention the suicide rate of deputies and retirees in that office.
I am fed up with the disrespect shown to law enforcement. I am particularly aggrieved with people and their cell phones. Especially when that takes precedence over even helping someone. I think you are wasting your breath even telling them it isn't helpful. I don't think they care. Until people are hit with penalties, they are going to keep doing what they are doing. They are not rational and lack no respect to life or liberty for other people.