LANCASTER, CA — A robbery in Lancaster turned violent on the evening of June 7, 2025, resulting in a deputy being shot and the suspect fatally wounded during a chaotic exchange of gunfire.
The incident has left the community shaken and underscores the dangers law enforcement officers face in the line of duty. The situation began at approximately 7:07 p.m., when deputies from the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to the 1200 block of Meadow View Circle in response to an armed robbery.
A concerned resident reported being robbed at gunpoint by a Hispanic male wearing a black shirt and jeans, who fled the scene on foot, heading eastbound.
Deputies quickly canvassed the area in search of the suspect. A deputy patrolling the nearby 1000 block of West Avenue J-12 observed a man matching the suspect’s description.
The man was later identified as 31-year-old Erick Berrios. Believing him to be connected to the earlier armed robbery, the deputy held Berrios at gunpoint while requesting immediate backup.
As additional deputies arrived and attempted to take Berrios into custody, he began to physically resist arrest. Despite repeated verbal commands to stop resisting, Berrios continued to struggle. During the confrontation, Berrios drew a handgun from his person—a move that escalated the situation dramatically.
In an attempt to subdue the suspect without lethal force, a deputy deployed a TASER. However, at that very moment, Berrios discharged his weapon, striking a deputy in the lower torso. The threat prompted a deputy-involved shooting, during which Berrios was shot by deputies.
Immediately after the exchange, deputies administered emergency medical aid to Berrios while awaiting the arrival of Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel. Despite their efforts, Berrios was pronounced dead at the scene.
The wounded deputy was rushed to a local hospital, where he was admitted for treatment of the gunshot wound. Officials have confirmed that the injury was serious but that the deputy is in stable condition and expected to recover. No other officers or civilians were harmed during the incident.
Authorities recovered a loaded 9mm semiautomatic “ghost gun” at the scene—an untraceable firearm without a serial number, increasingly used in criminal activity. The discovery adds a troubling layer to the event, highlighting the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces with the rise of ghost guns in street-level crime.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau is conducting a thorough investigation into the robbery, shooting, and the events leading up to Berrios’ death. As with all deputy-involved shootings, the incident will also be reviewed by the department’s Internal Affairs Bureau and the Office of the Inspector General.
This incident has reignited conversations about officer safety and the prevalence of illegal firearms on the streets. Community leaders have expressed support for the injured deputy and appreciation for the rapid response and professionalism of the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station deputies during a highly volatile situation.
As the investigation continues, the Sheriff’s Department urges anyone with additional information about the robbery or the suspect’s activities to come forward.
