Four months after Fontana police fatally shot Jose Pena Mejia, who was wanted for brandishing a gun, Chief Michael Dorsey publicly released visual and audio recordings along with still images of the incident on Thursday, April 4. The recordings depict three officers chasing Mejia, who appeared to be carrying a firearm, through a commercial area before opening fire.

The release of the recordings came after the Southern California News Group (SCNG) filed a California Public Records Act request two months ago.

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Initially, Chief Dorsey cited legal exemptions to the open-records law, expressing concerns that the release of the recordings would hinder the ongoing investigation into the incident. However, Officer Steven Reed revealed that the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, in charge of the investigation, gave the Fontana police permission to make the recordings public, along with the San Bernardino County District’s Attorney’s Office.

Fontana police had previously withheld details about Mejia and his involvement in the December 13 shooting. Mejia had become a wanted suspect in November after being identified for brandishing a firearm at a market.

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The incident unfolded when an officer pulled over Mejia’s blue pickup truck around 7:30 p.m. near Mango Avenue and Foothill Boulevard due to a broken tail light. After running a records check and discovering Mejia’s status as a wanted individual, the officer asked him to step out of the vehicle. During a frisk, the officer felt a gun in Mejia’s waistband, prompting Mejia to flee.

As officers pursued Mejia, they can be heard on the recordings shouting commands for him to drop the gun and stop reaching. While no civilians were visible in the footage, the pursuit took place in close proximity to several businesses, with Mejia appearing to hold an object in his hand.

After a few seconds, three officers fired at Mejia, who was later pronounced dead at a hospital despite attempts to resuscitate him. Chief Dorsey stated that the officers perceived Mejia as an active threat to their safety, and the exact reasons for the use of lethal force are currently under investigation.

A recording released by the police shows the gun they claim to have found on the ground near Mejia. Chief Dorsey stated that Mejia’s actions forced the officers to protect themselves and the community at large, noting that Mejia had a documented criminal history, including convictions for attempted murder, domestic violence, and kidnapping.

In late January, Mejia’s family filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that officials repeatedly denied their attorneys access to documents and recordings related to the shooting. The lawsuit highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the case.

The release of the recordings has stirred renewed debate, with some questioning the use of force by Fontana police officers. The investigation into the incident continues, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.

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