California Deputies Shoot Robbery Suspect Who Pulled Out a Shotgun

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Norwalk, California — On January 27, 2024, at 5:40 p.m., Norwalk Station deputies responded to a business in the 11000 block of Rosecrans Avenue, Norwalk, regarding a call of a robbery in progress. The caller stated a male, armed with a rifle, was stealing merchandise. The male was later identified as 38-year-old Jerald Hardcastle of Lake Elsinore. Deputies located Hardcastle standing between several parked vehicles in the rear parking lot of the business. He was given numerous commands to place his hands on his head and walk toward deputy personnel, but he refused to comply. After several minutes, deputies formed a tactical plan to approach Hardcastle. As deputies moved toward Hardcastle’s position, he retrieved a shotgun, faced the deputies, and a deputy-involved shooting occurred.

Hardcastle sustained a gunshot wound to his left hand. As deputies went to detain Hardcastle, he began to resist and was taken down to the ground and subsequently tased. Deputies rendered first aid until the arrival of Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics. Hardcastle was transported to a local hospital where he received medical treatment and was medically cleared for booking. It was later determined Hardcastle had entered the business and had pointed a shotgun at the employees. During the incident, Hardcastle stole U.S. currency from the register, and merchandise from the business. A loaded shotgun was recovered at the scene. In addition, Hardcastle was in possession of two assault rifles. There were no other persons injured in the incident.