Sonoma County Sheriff Blasts​ Findings Into Fatal Shooting By Deputies Near Healdsburg

HEALDSBURG, CA — The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office dismissed a watchdog report questioning the agency's tactics involved in the 2022 killing of David Peláez Chavez.

The investigation focused on whether deputies complied with law and policy in the events that led to the shooting of Peláez Chavez near Healdsburg on July 29, 2022. It also reviewed the investigation by the Sheriff's Office.

The Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach (IOLERO) report released Aug. 8 highlighted missed opportunities to avoid lethal force. The report also questioned whether Sheriff's Office policy and training contributed to the way the incident played out.

The report found that Deputy Michael Dietrick and his partner, Deputy Anthony Powers, attempted to decrease the need for force, but they also failed to call for Spanish-speaking interpreters or crisis-intervention support, and did not clearly identify themselves as law enforcement. They also allowed communications with Peláez Chavez to break down during a long pursuit on foot through steep terrain. In the final 25 seconds, investigators said Dietrick's decision to approach Peláez Chavez, who was holding a rock and hand-tiller, which deputies said they thought was a hatchet, may have escalated the confrontation.

Following the shooting, the Santa Rosa Police Department opened an investigation into potential criminal charges related to the incident. The Sonoma County District Attorney decided not to file criminal charges against the deputies. The Sheriff's Office and the Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach (IOLERO) also opened parallel investigations into the shooting.

This marks the first time the board has used its Measure P authority to independently investigate a deputy-involved fatal shooting, according news reports.

Egram said the District Attorney's review — not the watchdog report — provided the authoritative findings as it pertains to the lawful use of force: the deputies acted legally under laws of the State of California.

Sonoma County Sheriff Eddie Egram questioned the authority of the agency and said an investigation by the Sonoma County District Attorney's office concluded the deputies' actions were reasonable and lawful.

By contrast, Egram added, IOLERO acknowledged it lacked key evidence and instead issued a report "riddled with speculative commentary."