Tulare Police officers Vince Medina and Ryan Richmond were responding to reports of suspected gang members. When they arrived there was no one in the area, so they decided to search a nearby empty house where suspected gang members allegedly frequented. They saw Gonzales exit the house, and though he did not match the description of the gang members, they used their flashlights to try to subdue Gonzales. When he continued to struggle, Medina shot and killed him. Officers were cleared in federal civil suit.
Victim's Name: Samuel Gonzales
Agency Responsible: Tulare Police Department
Gender: Male
Age: 44
Race: Hispanic
Date of Death: January 17, 2013
County: Tulare
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Justified
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Unknown
Armed: Unclear
Weapon: unclear
Geography: Suburban