Deputy Sheriff James B. Evans, Riverside County Sheriff's Department, California

Deputy Sheriff James B. Evans

Riverside County Sheriff's Department, California

End of Watch Friday, May 9, 1980

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James B. Evans

Deputy Sheriff James Evans was shot and killed when he was ambushed by bank robbers during a pursuit.

Several deputies had responded to a bank robbery call of several heavily armed men robbing a bank in Norco, California. A gunfight ensued in the parking lot in which one suspect was shot and killed, and several others fled the scene in a stolen car. The pursuit entered the Lytle Creek area of the San Bernardino mountains.

The suspects suddenly stopped the car near the Stockton Flat Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest, and as Deputy Evans rounded a corner, they opened fire with M-16 rifles, killing him. The suspects then fled on foot. During the search for them, one was shot and killed, and three others were taken into custody.

Deputy Evans was a United States Army Vietnam Veteran and had served with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department for five years. He was survived by his wife, son, and three stepchildren.

Bio

Age 39
Tour 5 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle; M-16
Offender Two shot and killed, three in custody

ambush, robbery, vehicle pursuit

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Most Recent Reflection

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Deputy Sheriff Evans,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

June 9, 2024