Robbery Suspect Killed by Off-Duty Officer in Apple Valley Home

Vincent William Avila, Jr.

APPLE VALLEY – A robbery suspect, shot and killed by an off-duty Fontana police officer early Wednesday, has been identified by the San Bernardino County Coroner.

Vincent William Avila, Jr. 25, who reportedly entered the officer’s home on Ochoa Road before 6 a.m. on Wednesday, was killed after a struggle between the two.

According to reports, the unidentified officer was awakened by Avila, who was armed with a handgun. During the brief struggle, the officer tried to subdue Avila, holding him at gunpoint. But Avila refused to obey commands to show his hands and lie on the floor.

A sheriff’s release said, “As the suspect reached into his waistband, the (off-duty officer) shot him in the upper torso.”

There were repeated commands made by the officer to Avila to surrender, show his hands and lie on the floor.

Avila, who was identified one day later by the coroner, died at St. Mary/St. Joseph Medical Center. He was not known to have a prior criminal record, according to investigators.

The officer was not hurt. There was no information on whether or not other people were inside the residence when Avila entered. Police did not disclose how he entered the home.

The officer is an eight-year veteran police officer who has since been placed on administrative leave, according to Fontana authorities.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s homicide detectives are investigating, choosing not to release any additional details on the case until more information is available.