'Trespasser' Shot, Killed On Redlands Railroad Tracks: Sheriff's Dept.

REDLANDS, CA — A man who allegedly became confrontational after refusing to get off railroad tracks in Redlands was shot and killed by a San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy Tuesday morning.

At approximately 7:26 a.m., Jefte Vargas Ramirez, 37, of Redlands was shot on the rail line between Nevada and California streets.

According to the sheriff's department, the deputy had been summoned to the area on a report of an alleged trespasser. Vargas Ramirez was spotted on the railroad tracks, so the deputy told the Redlands man to leave due to the danger of trains traveling the line.

"Vargas Ramirez refused to comply and immediately became confrontational with the deputy," the sheriff's department reported. "Vargas Ramirez armed himself with rocks in both hands, approached the deputy in an aggressive manner, and a lethal force encounter occurred."

After the deputy's gunfire hit Vargas Ramirez, medical aid was rendered for him at the scene. He was transported to a nearby hospital but was pronounced deceased there.

The deputy was not injured in the incident. The deputy's identity was not released.

The sheriff's department has launched an investigation into the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Tyler Loup, Specialized Investigations Division, at 909-890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.

Under Assembly Bill 1506, law enforcement shootings in California are investigated by the state's Department of Justice. More information on the DOJ's role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.