Erick Berrios Shooting, Death – A violent armed robbery on the evening of June 7, 2025, escalated into a deadly confrontation between law enforcement and the suspect, leaving one Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy seriously injured and the suspect, 31-year-old Erick Berrios, fatally shot. The incident occurred in the quiet residential neighborhood near the 1200 block of Meadow View Circle and has left the Lancaster community both shaken and concerned over the increasing threat of illegal firearms.
At approximately 7:07 p.m., deputies responded to an emergency call reporting an armed robbery. The victim described being held at gunpoint by a Hispanic male, dressed in a black shirt and jeans, who then fled eastbound on foot. Deputies quickly canvassed the area, and a patrol unit located a man matching the description near the 1000 block of West Avenue J-12. That individual was later identified as Erick Berrios.
Upon initial contact, a deputy held Berrios at gunpoint and requested backup. As more deputies arrived to assist with the arrest, Berrios resisted and refused repeated commands to cooperate. The situation rapidly deteriorated when Berrios drew a handgun from his person, prompting an immediate escalation. In an effort to avoid lethal force, a deputy deployed a TASER. However, Berrios discharged his weapon, striking one deputy in the lower torso.
The threat posed by the armed suspect resulted in a deputy-involved shooting. Berrios was hit by gunfire during the exchange. Deputies immediately rendered medical aid and awaited emergency responders from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, but Berrios was pronounced dead at the scene.
The injured deputy was transported to a nearby hospital and treated for a serious gunshot wound. Officials later confirmed that the deputy is in stable condition and expected to recover. No other law enforcement officers or civilians were harmed.
Authorities recovered a loaded 9mm semiautomatic “ghost gun” at the scene—an untraceable weapon lacking a serial number. These types of firearms have become increasingly common in criminal activity, posing significant challenges for law enforcement. The presence of such a weapon underscores growing concerns over the accessibility of illegal firearms and their role in violent encounters.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the robbery, the suspect’s actions, and the subsequent shooting. As per protocol, the department’s Internal Affairs Bureau and the Office of the Inspector General will also review the incident.
In the aftermath, local leaders and residents have expressed support for the injured deputy and commended the quick response and professionalism of the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station. The incident has reignited discussions surrounding officer safety and the proliferation of ghost guns.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the robbery or Berrios’ prior activities to contact investigators, as they work to fully understand the circumstances leading up to the deadly confrontation.