VICTORVILLE – Lingering rage over the condition of a lemon purchased at a business on the 14000 block of 7th Street erupted into gunfire near high noon on October 2nd.
First of all, Sheriff Deputies went to the scene of an assault by a woman who punched a businessman in the face. His wife called for help when Lajuana Phillips (36) of Helendale pulled a punch then refused to leave the business.
Next, the scorned suspect continued her tirade by starting a fight with another subject. The arriving deputy “conducted a records check of Lajuana Phillips. He found that she had a misdemeanor arrest warrant out of West Covina for driving with a suspended license.”
The seething suspect refused to play nice.”When the deputy informed her of the warrant she became uncooperative and got into her vehicle.” She ignored the deputy’s commands to peacefully exit her vehicle.
“Lajuana Phillips continued to be uncooperative,” said SBSD. “The deputy deployed oc spray (commonly referred to as pepper spray) into her vehicle, utilizing a less than lethal form of force.”
Tragically, “the suspect then attempted to drive her vehicle toward the deputy and a deputy- involved shooting occurred. Emergency medical personnel responded to the location and pronounced the suspect deceased at the scene.”
Consequently, Investigators from the Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail arrived to assume the investigation. Witnesses and involved parties reported that the suspect had entered the business. She was upset about the working condition of her vehicle that she had purchased there.
Further statements included the enraged suspect threatening the lives of those working there out of frustration for issues related to her vehicle. The victim assaulted by the suspect declined medical attention. The deputy sustained no injuries during the assault-with-a- deadly-weapon incident.
Please provide information regarding this investigation to the Sheriff’s Homicide Detail, Detective Eric Dyberg or Sergeant Jerry Davenport at (909)387-3589. To remain anonymous, call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.
