Man Holding Screwdriver Was Killed By Deputies, Tried to Run Over Cardroom Employee Earlier: Report

Posted on: February 2, 2025, 10:00h. 

Last updated on: February 2, 2025, 10:00h.

California officials launched a review of Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies who fatally shot a man last week. Hours before, he allegedly tried to run over someone at a California cardroom parking lot.

Monterey County Sheriff’s car
Monterey County Sheriff’s car, pictured above. Deputies are under review for a deadly shooting. (Image: KSBW)

For an unknown reason, the suspect tried to drive into a worker at California’s Banker’s Casino on Wednesday morning, according to police.

It was attempted murder. He tried to run over an employee of Bankers Casino,” Salinas Police Department Sgt. Zach Dunagan told California TV station KSBW.

Salinas police quickly alerted law enforcement throughout the region they were looking for a blue Honda Prius in connection with the 9:30 a.m. incident in the Salinas cardroom lot.

Suspect Drove Into Field

At about 1 p.m., a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer spotted the suspect’s Honda on Highway 183 between Castroville and Salinas, some 10 miles from the casino.

CHP officers and Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies, who drove to the area after the CHP officer requested backup, tried to stop the Honda, according to a statement released by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

But the man drove the Honda off the road and into a field located between Espinosa Road and Cooper Road.

Then, the man stopped the Honda.

For unknown reasons, the driver exited the vehicle and approached the officers while holding a weapon. Shots were then fired, striking the driver,” the sheriff’s statement claimed.

The wounded man was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead.

Screwdriver Isn’t Deadly Weapon

It was revealed that when deputies shot the man, he didn’t possess a deadly weapon, just the screwdriver, according to KSBW.

Several Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies had fired shots at the man, California TV station KION further reported.

More specifics on what led to the shooting have yet to be released publicly.

The California Department of Justice started its investigation last week. The inquiry is standard practice after a deputy-involved shooting.

A key issue is whether the use of deadly force was justified by the deputies. A screwdriver, unlike a firearm or knife, isn’t considered a deadly weapon under relevant regulations.

CHP officers, who were at the scene, aren’t being investigated.

A CHP officer was injured during the incident, too. He was treated at a hospital. Details on how that happened weren’t immediately available.

The deceased man, whose yet to be publicly identified, reportedly visited Bankers Casino about monthly.

His body will likely undergo an autopsy to confirm his identity, as well as the cause and manner of death.

Investigators also will review any dashcam or body camera video from deputies that may show what led up to the shooting. Recordings of radio communications and physical evidence recovered at the scene could be reviewed, as well.

The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office also is reviewing the incident.