From Inyo County DA Thomas Hardy:

Earlier today, the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department issued a press release regarding an officer-involved shooting in the Bishop area.

The case is currently being investigated by the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department and, separately, by the Inyo County District Attorney’s Office.  The District Attorney’s Office responsibility in these cases is to determine the lawfulness of a peace officer’s use of force.

Based upon the preliminary results of the investigation today, it appears the Deputy involved was legally justified in firing his weapon.  The investigation is, of course, on-going and it would be premature to reach any final conclusions.

As the investigation continues, further information will be provided to the public.

From the Bishop Paiute Tribe 
The Bishop Paiute Tribe is working in close relationship and communications with the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department and Bishop Tribal Police Department regarding the unfortunate Officer Involved Shooting involving suspect Raymond Bencoma III that occurred early Friday morning, on the Bishop Paiute Indian Reservation.
The Tribal Council received a full briefing Friday morning in a meeting with Inyo County Under-Sheriff Jeff Hollowell and Lt. Paul Baldwin. All Council members were present during the briefing and the Tribal Council, Tribal Police and Inyo County Sheriff’s Department have agreed to stay in constant communication as the investigation continues.
Tribal Chairman Deston Rogers states “it’s very unfortunate this incident happened. It would be pre-mature to make any assumptions about this incident. We are grateful Under-Sheriff Hollowell and Lt. Baldwin were willing to meet with us this morning and continue to work with us. We strongly encourage the tribal community to be patient while the investigation continues. We ask for prayers for all involved. The safety of the entire community is of upmost concern and the Council does have a heavy heart that this incident has transpired.”
At a briefing on Friday afternoon between Under-Sheriff Hollowell and Chairman Rogers, Chairman Rogers was informed that Mr. Bencoma is listed in critical but stable condition at a hospital in Reno, NV.
The Council will release additional Press Releases as information becomes available for release.
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The Bishop Paiute Tribe is a federally recognized Indian tribe located on its 879 acre Bishop Paiute Reservation in Inyo County, California. The Reservation was formed under Congressional Act 5299, P.L. No. 43 of April 20, 1937.
The Tribe is committed to the well being of its people. For more information please contact the Bishop Paiute Tribe at (760) 873-3584.

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