HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocuments_SLOSO LIRA FINAL SUMMARYPage 1 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
TO: IAN PARKINSON, SHERIFF-CORONER via the Chain of Command
FROM: DETECTIVE CHAD GUITON #1041
DATE: DECEMBER 18, 2020
SUBJECT: OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING INVESTIGATION 2006-04328
OVERVIEW
During the early morning hours of June 10, 2020 the Paso Robles Police Department
(PRPD) received numerous calls for service reporting “shots heard” in the downtown area
of Paso Robles. Several hours later, a male suspect was observed on PRPD security
cameras holding a pistol outside of the station. PRPD then initiated a request for
assistance from other local law enforcement agencies including the Atascadero Police
Department (APD), the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the San Luis Obispo County
Sheriff’s Office (SLOSO). Upon responding to the area, APD, CHP and PRPD Officers
were fired upon and patrol vehicles were struck. SLOSO Deputies then responded to the
downtown area and were also engaged by gunfire. One SLOSO Deputy was shot in the
face and his partner returned fire. The suspect eluded capture as numerous law
enforcement agencies converged on the area.
Throughout the daytime hours of June 10, 2020, law enforcement tactical teams searched
the downtown Paso Robles area for the shooter. These tactical teams included the
Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Detail (SED) and the San Luis Obispo Regional
Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT). As search efforts were initiated, a homicide
victim identified as
James Watson, was
discovered behind the
train station along the
railroad tracks.
Investigative personnel
from several law
enforcement agencies
began processing
numerous crime scenes
in downtown Paso
Robles. Later that
evening the suspect
emerged from an
underground dwelling in
the downtown area and
began firing additional
rounds in Paso Robles
Downtown Paso Robles Photograph from the morning of June 10, 2020.
Page 2 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
city. At this point in time, the suspect had been identified from surveillance videos as
Mason James Lira. Lira fled from PRPD Officers into the Salinas Riverbed. Numerous
law enforcement agencies continued looking for Lira throughout the night and into the
daytime hours of June 11, 2020. Search efforts consisted of numerous law enforcement
personnel including air assets, the assistance of armored vehicles, and SWAT teams from
surrounding counties.
During the afternoon
hours of June 11,
2020, Mason Lira
engaged the San
Luis Obispo
Regional SWAT
“Blue” team with
gunfire striking an
Arroyo Grande
Police Department
Sergeant (AGPD) in
the leg. SWAT team
members returned
gunfire as they
sought cover into an
armored vehicle.
Approximately two
hours later
Mason Lira
emerged from a position of concealment along the eastern edge of the Dusi Vineyard off
of Ramada Drive. Lira was engaged with gunfire from another portion of the San Luis
Obispo Regional SWAT “Green” Team who was south of his position. A SLOSO Deputy
Sheriff, San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office Investigator, and a Fish and
Wildlife Warden fired at Mason Lira from this position as well. The Kings County Sheriff’s
Office (KCSO) SWAT Team also engaged Lira from north of his position. Lira was struck
by gunfire and was pronounced dead at this location. Other significant injuries included
a KCSO Deputy who sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and a CHP Officer who
sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and stomach.
Ultimately, the entire incident lasted over 36 hours which was investigated as four
separate officer involved shooting events with numerous crime scenes including that of a
civilian homicide. Investigators reviewed surveillance video from approximately 33
locations, reviewed approximately 27 body worn camera videos, conducted over 85
interviews, and collected over 600 pieces of evidence. Five law enforcement officers
sustained varying degrees of gunshot wound injuries during the incident. The following
narrative is a summary of the investigation and findings. The attached addendums
document various pieces of pertinent evidence including transcribed interviews from law
enforcement personnel, laboratory reports, videos, radio communications, photographs
and forensic crime scene mapping.
Dusi Vineyard photograph from the afternoon of June 11, 2020.
Page 3 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
INVESTIGATIVE SUMMARY FOR OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING #1
On June 10, 2020 was in the Paso Robles area visiting some friends and
family. Just after midnight, she was in the downtown district trying to locate a homeless
friend who had a recycling route in this area. described parking her vehicle near
the City Square by the "gazebo." She described this as being on the library side of the
City Square which would be on 11th Street. She said she was driving a black 2020 Ford
Mustang. While walking through the downtown area, she observed a male subject near
the Paso Robles courthouse at 10th Street and Park Street. continued walking and
eventually began heading north on Railroad Avenue from 10th Street. While doing so,
noted the same male subject from the courthouse was now following her on
Railroad Avenue. said she knew he was following her because she "zig zagged"
and he "zig zagged." She then text messaged her friend to meet her at the car.
described this subject as a heavy set male, grey sweatshirt, "afro" longish hair, a
Hispanic appearance, and "homeless looking." She described her appearance as 5'02",
short blond hair, heavy set build and carrying a black purse. became concerned
with the subject following her and elected to follow her "gut instinct" and cut west through
an alleyway that
connected Railroad
Avenue to Pine Street.
This alleyway emerged
just north of the Park
Cinemas movie theater
on Pine Street.
recalled that the subject
started running toward
her, so in turn she
began running toward
her car through the
alleyway. She recalled
looking back at the
subject, and he
attempted to turn as if
hiding something. As
she emerged from the
alleyway and passed in
front of Red Scooter Deli, said the subject fired four shots but did not hit her.
said the subject was in front of the Park Cinemas movie theater area when this happened,
and she could hear the echoing of gunfire. She believed she had reached the roadway
area and was running to her car when he had fired. said a friend had been waiting
at her vehicle and told her that he could hear shell casings hitting the ground when this
occurred. believed the subject was shooting at her since there was no one else
Subject following north on Railroad Avenue with a pistol in his right hand.
Page 4 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
around. They left the location in her vehicle and went back to their hotel to go to sleep.
subsequently submitted an online report which was not discovered until several
weeks later.
On June 10, 2020 at 0011 hours PRPD Dispatch received a 911 call from
who stated that she heard three to four gunshots coupled with a female running
to a black Ford Mustang and leaving the area. was with her friend
who was also heard on the 911 call stating that he “literally witnessed the
gunshots.” Several additional callers reported hearing gunshots in the downtown area.
PRPD Officers were dispatched to check the area with negative results. Follow up
information was not gathered from these reporting parties at this time, however majority
of them were contacted in the weeks and months to follow this incident.
Sheriff’s Detectives spoke to and who both confirmed that they were
parked along 11th Street that evening. recalled seeing a female walking along
11th Street with a guy described as having curly hair and dark clothing following her. The
female (presumably continued to walk toward her car and the guy following
her hid behind the building at the corner of 11th Street and Pine Street. said he
turned around to try and look at the subject and saw the subject raise his right arm.
said he then heard shots being fired and saw the “red” coming out of what
believed was a gun in the subject’s hand. said he and ducked
down in their seats. said he looked to see where the female was and saw her
getting up from the ground in between their cars. The female subject entered her vehicle
and then left the scene.
Corresponding surveillance videos from the downtown district confirmed that Mason Lira
was following along Railroad Avenue at approximately 0009 hours. Five
audible gunshots were heard from the Park Cinemas surveillance cameras.
and an unidentified male were observed running to a black Ford Mustang and leaving the
area.
At approximately 0307 hours the Paso Robles Police Department station was occupied
by acting Watch Commander Officer Kyle Carson #1425 (unit designator 41A123), Officer
Christopher Hart #1381 (unit designator 41A125), Officer Elizabeth Place #1441 (unit
designator 41A129) and Dispatcher Katherine McKinley #1314, where they all remained
throughout the duration of Officer Involved Shooting #1. Officer Niles Hemingway #1427
(unit designator 41A157) was outside of the station on patrol in a marked PRPD patrol
unit wearing a PRPD navy blue uniform with law enforcement patches and insignia.
Dispatcher McKinley was monitoring the PRPD security cameras and noted a male
subject walking around outside of the station near the bell tower with a black handgun in
his left hand. The subject proceeded to look inside of the lobby doors of the station and
was also observed looking into the parking lot area. The officers who were inside of the
station began monitoring the suspect live from their dispatch center, while simultaneously
instructing Officer Hemingway not to return to the station.
Page 5 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
At 0308 hours Dispatcher
McKinley contacted CHP
Dispatch and requested that
CHP units check around the
PRPD station for a man with
a gun. Dispatcher McKinley
indicated that PRPD had
units, but that they were “a
little weary to go to their car
if he’s armed with a gun.” At
0310 hours Dispatcher
McKinley then contacted
SLOSO Dispatch and asked
if the Sheriff’s Office had
any north patrol units,
stating that PRPD had a suspicious subject walking around outside their station with a
handgun. SLOSO Dispatch advised that they had one patrol unit working and that they
were in Atascadero. No request for assistance was made and the conversation ended.
At 0311 hours CHP Officer David Agredano #13984 and Officer Joel Newby #18069 were
working a graveyard patrol shift at the Templeton CHP Office. They were in a marked
CHP patrol vehicle working as a two officer unit (unit designator C98X). Both Officers
were wearing navy blue uniforms with CHP patches and insignia. They were dispatched
to assist PRPD with the armed subject call. They utilized the CHP radio communication
channel through the duration of the incident.
At 0315 hours PRPD Officer Carson, Officer Place and Officer Hart began discussing a
strategy which involved either leaving the station, turning off the lights and/or going up to
the roof of the station. The three officers ultimately decided to remain inside of the station
and call for additional agencies to go look for the suspect.
At approximately 0316 hours, APD Dispatch received an assistance request from PRPD
via the computer dispatching system. APD Officer Craig Martineau #3113 (unit
designator 48A28), and Corporal Rene Vasquez #5011 (unit designator 48A11) were
dispatched to the city of Paso Robles to assist. Both Officers were wearing navy blue
uniforms with APD patches and insignia. They were driving marked APD patrol units as
well. Both Officers switched to the Paso Robles “green” channel for radio
communications during their response and while on scene during the incident.
Between 0323 hours and 0327 hours the two described APD Officers and PRPD Officer
Hemingway began arriving to the area of the Paso Robles Police Department and
ultimately took positions on 9th Street, between Spring Street and Park Street. They
parked their patrol units across from the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Sunset
Car Wash.
Stock image of Paso Robles Police Department.
Page 6 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
At 0329 hours PRPD Officer Hemingway notified PRPD Dispatch that they heard seven
gunshots northeast of their location. PRPD Watch Commander Officer Carson
responded that he had made command notifications. Around this same time frame,
Officer Yeamen-Sanchez #5151 (unit designator 48A20) was directed to respond to Paso
Robles from the Atascadero Police Department by his Watch Commander. Officer
Yeamen-Sanchez was wearing a navy blue APD uniform with law enforcement patches
and insignia and was driving a marked APD patrol unit. While responding to Paso Robles,
Officer Yeamen-Sanchez turned his radio communication channels onto the Paso Robles
“green” channel.
At 0330 hours, CHP Officer Agredano notified CHP Dispatch of “gunfire downtown” and
requested the Sheriff’s Office for back up, stating that the gunfire sounded like it was in
the area of “Riverside and 10th.” Officer Agredano and Officer Newby had just done a
patrol check of the downtown area and hadn’t observed anyone. CHP Dispatch
immediately contacted SLOSO Dispatch and requested assistance for “gunfire
downtown” and a man with a black handgun who had walked up to the PRPD station.
SLOSO Dispatch advised that they did not have any units available at the moment.
Officer Agredano and Officer Newby noted the two APD patrol units and single PRPD unit
on 9th Street, between Park Street and Spring Street and elected to join them at this
location.
At 0332 hours CHP Officer Julie Lavender #19280 and Officer Kenneth Antoetti #18253
(unit designator C28101) were dispatched to Paso Robles to assist the other law
enforcement personnel on scene. They responded from San Luis Obispo and were
wearing navy blue CHP uniforms with law enforcement patches and insignia. They were
driving a marked CHP patrol unit and working as partners. Both CHP Officers were
utilizing CHP communication channels during the duration of this incident.
APD Corporal Vasquez utilized PRPD “green” channel and asked Watch Commander
Officer Carson twice if he wanted them to treat the situation like “an active shooter and
go towards it.?” Watch Commander Officer Carson stated “if you can attempt to get eyes
on and go from there, based on suspect actions.”
While law enforcement personnel was either on scene, or responding to the downtown
Paso Robles area, an employee of the Hotel Cheval at 1021 Pine Street contacted PRPD
Dispatch at 0333 hours. The employee, identified as Wade Simmons, began providing
the location of the shooter to the PRPD Dispatcher while monitoring his actions. Simmons
described the suspect as being on foot by the Park Cinemas and heading towards the
park. PRPD Dispatch provided this information to patrol units over the “green” radio
channel. Watch Commander Officer Carson indicated over the radio that they should get
“units to start heading that way” however no further actions were taken and the three
PRPD officers remained inside of the station. He then requested his dispatcher contact
San Luis Obispo Police Department to respond for assistance as well.
Around 0335 hours APD Officer Yeamen-Sanchez arrived in Paso Robles and was
directed to the area of the DMV by Corporal Sanchez. Upon arrival at approximately 0338
Page 7 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
hours, Officer Yeamen-Sanchez reported hearing gunfire northeast of their position.
According to Officer Yeamen-Sanchez he and Officer Martineau and Corporal Vasquez
began discussing a plan to form a three man team using a ballistic shield. While doing
so, numerous gunshots were heard on body worn cameras and surveillance videos in the
downtown Paso Robles area.
PRPD Officer Hemingway had his marked PRPD patrol unit parked on 9th Street just west
of the intersection at Park Street. His vehicle was facing northbound towards the Paso
Robles Courthouse and partially occupying the eastern most parking stall on the north
side of 9th Street. His driver’s side door was open. Approximately 15 feet west of this
vehicle was the marked CHP Patrol unit belonging to Officer Agredano and Officer
Newby. The vehicle was parallel to the PRPD Patrol unit and facing northbound as well.
Directly behind both of these vehicles in a north to south line of sight was the Department
of Motor Vehicles at 841 Park Street. The officers at this location used these vehicles as
cover and concealment during the events that transpired.
At 0342 hours PRPD Commander Caleb Davis was responding to the Paso Robles Police
Department and began asking for a suspect description over “green” channel, along with
how many shots had been fired. He was informed over the “green” channel by Watch
Commander Officer Carson, “approximately 12 at this point.”
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Deputies Shane Macdonald #1048 and Trevor Shipman
#1427 had been working a uniformed graveyard patrol shift (2100-0700 hours) at Sheriff’s
South Station (unit designator 23X30). Deputy Shipman and Deputy Macdonald were
utilizing a marked Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle. They were in rural Nipomo and were
monitoring the CHP radio channel when they heard traffic regarding gunfire in Paso
Robles City. Deputy Macdonald and Deputy Shipman began heading north towards Paso
Robles City after alerting Sheriff’s Watch Commander Sergeant Lipanovich #0798 of what
they had heard. Around 0343 hours they began an emergency response northbound on
the US Highway 101 from the area of Shell Beach. Approximately 17 minutes later
Deputy Macdonald and Deputy Shipman were directed to the area of Spring Street and
12th Street by the PRPD Dispatch over “green” channel. They continued their response
from US Highway 101 and Vineyard Drive while monitoring CHP radio traffic and “green”
channel. They took an initial position at 13th Street and Railroad Avenue and then moved
to 13th Street and Pine Street.
At 0344 hours PRPD Officer Hemingway broadcast over the radio from his location on 9th
Street, “man running northbound on the tracks, 9th and Pine,” immediately followed by,
“additionally, one shot fired.” Officers began communication that additional gunshots were
heard in the same general area. Body worn camera footage from APD Officer Martineau
captures the audio from this gunshot along with the vantage point of PRPD Officer
Hemingway.
At 0348 hours PRPD Dispatch advised patrol units over “green” channel that an eye
witness was watching the suspect near the Hotel Cheval. Two minutes later APD
Corporal Vasquez broadcast over the radio that he heard four or five more gunshots. A
Page 8 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
caller from Hotel Cheval witnessed the suspect heading towards the Paso Robles Police
Department at this time. It was later discovered that the Police Department building was
shot at.
PRPD Commander Caleb Davis #1371 had arrived at the Paso Robles Police Department
and directed patrol units in the field to “get notification made,” and instructed PRPD Officer
Hemingway to “use the loudspeaker. Tell him to put the gun down.”
At 0351 hours PRPD Officer Hemingway stated that they had “eyes” on the subject and
were making “announcements.” CHP Officer Antonetti and Officer Lavender had just
arrived at the DMV after being directed to this spot by CHP Officer Agredano. They
positioned their vehicle facing east on 9th Street across the street from the carwash just
west of the DMV. APD Officer Yeaman-Sanchez yelled commands at the suspect to
“drop the gun, put the fucking gun down!” and PRPD Officer Hemingway yelled “drop the
gun!” As announcements were being made, the law enforcement personnel on 9th Street
reported taking gunfire from the suspect and lost visual observation of the suspect shortly
thereafter. They reported over “green” radio channel that approximately three rounds had
been fired in their direction. Approximately three minutes later five more gunshots were
fired in the direction of the officers at this location.
During one of the volleys
of gunfire, PRPD Officer
Hemingway’s marked
patrol vehicle was struck
with a projectile in the
front driver’s side door.
Additionally, the marked
CHP Patrol unit being
utilized by CHP Officer
Agredano and CHP
Officer Newby was struck
with a projectile in the
right rear passenger
door. Neither projectile
penetrated the metal
doors. Additionally, three
projectiles struck the
north facing wall of the Department of Motor Vehicles behind the officers’ location. Body
worn camera footage from APD Officer Martineau (Video Addendum No. 1) and APD
Officer Yeamen-Sanchez (Video Addendum No. 2) depicted the events that transpired
at this location
At 0357 hours, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office uniformed patrol deputies,
Nicholas Dreyfus #1526, and Deputy Clifford Pacas #1396, were assigned to a uniformed
graveyard patrol shift (2100-0700 hours) at the Sheriff’s North Station (unit designator
22X20). Deputy Pacas and Deputy Dreyfus were utilizing a marked Sheriff’s Office patrol
North east corner of Department of Motor Vehicles.
Page 9 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
vehicle which was equipped with the VidNet in car video system which recorded both
video and audio during the incident. An audio portion of this video was later transcribed
(Addendum No. 1).
Deputy Pacas and Deputy Dreyfus had responded to an alarm call at Trader Joes in
Templeton when they were diverted by the Watch Commander, Sergeant Lipanovich, to
the city of Paso Robles. They were sent to the downtown city area to assist in a report of
shots fired at the Paso Robles Police Department. They responded with emergency lights
and sirens (Code 3) arriving in the area of 13th Street and Spring Street at approximately
0402 hours. During this response they were monitoring and utilizing Sheriff’s Office “blue”
radio channel. Upon arriving to this initial location, Deputy Pacas and Deputy Dreyfus
switched their radio channels over to the Paso Robles Police Department “green” radio
channel. At 0409 hours Paso Robles Police Department then requested that Deputy
Pacas and Deputy Dreyfus move their position to the area of 10th and Riverside.
At approximately 0412 hours Deputy Pacas parked their patrol unit in the center of 10th
Street just west of Riverside Avenue. The vehicle was facing northwest with the overhead
emergency lights on. The business at this location was identified as the Rental Depot
with the physical address of 1005 Riverside Avenue. This business was directly north of
where Deputy Pacas had positioned the patrol vehicle.
An armored vehicle was deployed from the San Luis Obispo Police Department at 0415
hours at the request of the Paso Robles Police Department and began heading north
towards Paso Robles.
Deputy Pacas and Deputy Dreyfus had exited their patrol vehicle and taken positions on
the driver’s side of the vehicle. Deputy Pacas had deployed a patrol rifle and Deputy
Dreyfus deployed a shotgun. At 0419 hours a single gunshot was heard and
approximately 14 seconds later a volley of three more gunshots were audible on the
VidNet recording. One of the three rounds struck the center of the roof between the
windshield and light bar of the Deputies’ patrol vehicle. At 0421 hours another gunshot
was heard. Deputy Pacas and Deputy Dreyfus were heard conversing and Deputy
Dreyfus noted that he heard a sound over at the Rental Depot. At 0423 hours a white
Dodge Ram truck left the area of the Rental Depot and turned west on 10th Street in front
of their patrol vehicle. At 0424 hours a volley of four gunshots was heard followed by
Deputy Pacas broadcasting “Xray20, Officer down, officer down! North of our position on
Riverside,” over the “green” channel radio frequency. This was captured on the VidNet
recording from the patrol unit (Video Addendum No. 3).
Page 10 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
At 0425 hours
Deputy Pacas
immediately
returned gunfire
from behind the
front driver’s side
fender area of the
patrol vehicle. He
fired three rounds
utilizing a
department issued
AR-15 rifle in a
northernly direction
towards a large
tree between
Rental Depot and
JB Dewar on
Riverside Avenue.
This is the location
in which Deputy Pacas believed the shooter was engaging them from. Deputy Pacas
asked Deputy Dreyfus, "where you hit dude?" Deputy Dreyfus was heard saying,
"where's he at, where's he at?" Deputy Pacas then said, "can you crawl to me? Nick
crawl to me, bud! Crawl to me, crawl to me, crawl to me!" Deputy Dreyfus continued to
show concern about the suspect’s whereabouts. Deputy Pacas told Deputy Dreyfus,
"he's north of our position, get behind the car. Come on, bud. Get over behind the car
Nick. Closer to me. Closer to me." Deputy Dreyfus again said, "where's he at?" Deputy
Dreyfus broadcast on the “green” channel radio frequency "I'm hit." Deputy Pacas
advised over the radio that the shots were fired from north on Riverside and stated there
was a vehicle approaching their position slowly from Riverside. Deputy Dreyfus asked
again, "where's he at?" Deputy Dreyfus again informed dispatch via radio that he was hit,
while Deputy Pacas reassured Deputy Dreyfus that he had already broadcast that
information as well. Deputy Dreyfus then stated over the “green” channel radio, "I’ve been
hit."
PRPD Sergeant Rick Lehr #1054 had been off duty and alerted to an “active shooter” in
the downtown district by PRPD Commander Davis shortly after 0400 hours. Sergeant
Lehr immediately gathered some of his work gear from his residence and responded
toward the Paso Robles Police Department in his personally owned vehicle. While driving
to work, Sergeant Lehr heard gunfire and recalled approximately “six to ten gunshots”
possibly being fired in his direction while he was stopped at the intersection of 13th Street
and Riverside Avenue. (This is presumably the exchange of gunfire between Deputy
Pacas and Mason Lira). Sergeant Lehr observed a Sheriff’s Patrol unit several blocks
south of his location on Riverside Avenue and responded to this location. Sergeant Lehr
identified himself as an off duty “Paso PD” Officer to Deputy Pacas and Deputy Dreyfus.
Sergeant Lehr then noted that Deputy Dreyfus was bleeding heavily from his face. He
proceeded to park and exit his vehicle to assist the Deputies on scene. Sergeant Lehr
Image from Deputy Pacas viewpoint (taking during daylight hours).
Page 11 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
removed his shirt and provided it to Deputy Dreyfus to use for compression on his head
wound.
Sergeant Lehr and Deputy
Pacas escorted Deputy
Dreyfus to a position behind
Sergeant Lehr’s vehicle for a
better position of cover and
concealment while repeatedly
notifying PRPD Dispatch over
“green” channel that they still
had “an officer down” and
inquiring about medical
rescue.
PRPD Commander Davis and
Officer Place were in the back
parking lot of the Paso Robles
Police Department near the
intersection of 9th Street and
Pine Street where Commander Davis communicated over “green” channel that they could
see the suspect near the Red Scooter Deli which is next to Park Cinemas. This was at
0430 hours which was later confirmed by surveillance video at the Park Cinemas. This
was the last time the suspect was seen until the night-time hours of June 10, 2020.
At 0432 hours SLOSO Dispatch asked units on “blue” channel if there was an officer
down. Deputy Dreyfus responded “Xray20 I am down I am hit in the face,” followed by
“Xray 20 body 1526, I’m down, I’m hit in the face.” Approximately one minute later Deputy
Dreyfus asked over “blue” channel “confirm you copy I am hit in the face I need medics?”
SLOSO Dispatch acknowledged his transmission and advised that medics would be
entering “from the south on Riverside.”
During this time frame, Paso Robles Fire Department Battalion Chief Randy Harris had
been alerted by another Fire Chief of the “active shooter in the downtown” area. Battalion
Chief Harris responded to the area of Spring Street to locate a fire engine that was staged
in that vicinity pending the outcome of the law enforcement response to the active shooter.
Battalion Chief Harris had the goal of establishing a command post somewhere when he
heard “officer down” on the radio. As the suspect’s whereabouts were being broadcast
by officers in the area, Battalion Chief Harris formed a rescue team along with Fire
Captain John Prickett, Firefighter Casey Larson and Firefighter Joseph Costa. At
approximately 0434 hours the Paso Robles Fire Department personnel team arrived on
scene and Deputy Dreyfus was assisted into Battalion Chief Harris’ vehicle and
evacuated from the scene. Deputy Dreyfus was driven to the area of 6th Street and
Riverside where he was turned over to the care of ambulance personnel who transported
him to Sierra Vista Hospital.
Position behind Sergeant Lehr’s truck where Deputy Dreyfus was moved to
after he was shot.
Page 12 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
The California Highway Patrol Helicopter arrived in the area of downtown Paso Robles
around 0436 hours and was directed to check the Park Cinemas area by PRPD
Commander Davis. Approximately six minutes later the San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT
Team Bearcat arrived at the Paso Robles Police Department. At this time PRPD Watch
Commander Officer Carson and Commander Davis left the confines of the station and
joined other law enforcement personnel in the Bearcat. They began searching the
downtown Paso Robles area several minutes later.
Law enforcement personnel began arriving to the Paso Robles area to assist in locating
the suspect. A command post was establish at the Paso Robles Fairgrounds for
responding units. Around 0702 hours Watch Commander Officer Carson reported that
he was notified by PRPD Dispatch that a deceased male was on a mattress at the north
end of the railroad platform at the Paso Robles Amtrak station located at 800 Pine Street.
PRPD Officer Carson and other officers responded to this location where they located
James Watson who was deceased.
The San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT Team and San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office
SED Team were tasked with doing grid searches of the downtown Paso Robles city area
in an attempt to locate the shooting suspect. They received assignments from the Paso
Robles Fairground
Command Post where
Sheriff Ian Parkinson
#1188 was the
Incident Commander
at this time. These
tactical teams and
personnel were
deployed during the
early morning hours
after the suspect had
last been seen near
the Park Cinemas.
During these searches
and patrols numerous
spent casings along
with bullet fragments
and projectile strikes
were discovered in the
downtown area.
These locations were ultimately relayed to investigative teams who responded to process
the scenes. The grid search covered the areas of 10th Street to 13th Street and Riverside
Avenue to Spring Street. After various crime scenes were believed to be safe,
investigative units began responding to these locations.
Deputy Pacas and Sergeant Lehr maintained their position at 10th Street and Riverside
Avenue until relieved by additional law enforcement personnel later that morning. One of
Downtown Paso Robles search areas. SLO Regional SWAT searched bottom area
of the map and SLO Sheriff SED searched the top area of this map.
Page 13 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
the law enforcement personnel who responded to assist but did not witness any portion
of the shooting was CHP Officer Jacob Scott #17985. Officer Scott parked his unmarked
black truck north of the Sheriff’s Patrol unit blocking the west bound lane of traffic on 10th
Street. This vehicle was ultimately left at this location and processed as part of the crime
scene.
At approximately 0705 hours, Detective Gower Slane #974 arrived at this location and
then transported Deputy Pacas to the Sheriff’s North Station in Templeton. At the Sheriff’s
North Station Detective Greg Smith #1134 and I photographed Deputy Pacas and
examined his firearm. Sergeant Mark Lyon #1314 obtained a public safety statement
from Deputy Pacas. Deputy Pacas stated that he had fired three rounds in a northerly
direction from the driver’s side of the patrol unit using a department issued AR-15. He
believed the shooter had engaged them from north of the “Rental Depot.”
At approximately 0946 hours Regional SWAT team members searched the area in front
of Park Cinemas where the suspect had last been seen. Pismo Beach Police Department
Sergeant Chris Trimble #P068 was wearing and had activated a body worn camera
(Video Addendum No. 4). The footage depicted the Regional SWAT Team searching
the courtyard area and PBPD Sergeant Trimble stated, “there’s like a secret room down
there” while pointing his rifle towards a visible opening below the movie theatre. State
Parks Ranger Chris Hendricks #1507 deployed his K-9 into the courtyard and then two
SWAT Team members approached the “secret room” which was described by PBPD
Sergeant Trimble. The team did not physically enter and check this area beneath the
movie theatre and continued moving south.
On June 17, 2020, at 1317 hours, Deputy Pacas provided a voluntary statement at the
Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo regarding the officer involved
shooting. Deputy Pacas was represented by attorneys, Howard Liberman and Emil
Florez. Detective Greg Smith #1134 and I were present for the voluntary statement which
was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 2).
On August 12, 2020, at 1001 hours, Deputy Dreyfus provided a voluntary statement at
the Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo in which he provided details
regarding the officer involved shooting. Detective Trevor Lopes #1159 and I were present
for the voluntary statement which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No.
3).
Page 14 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
SCENE DESCRIPTION AT 9th STREET AND PARK STREET
The PRPD, APD and CHP
Officers were parked in the 700
block of 9th Street between Park
Street and Spring Street
approximately one hundred
yards south of the Paso Robles
Police Department bell tower.
PRPD Officer Hemingway was
driving a 2019 Ford Police
Interceptor Utility vehicle with
California Exempt Plate
1556054. This vehicle was
black in color with white front
and rear doors along with a
white roof. “POLICE PASO
ROBLES” was written in large
silver and black block letters
down both the driver’s and passenger side of the vehicle. A Paso Robles Police Officer
star was affixed to each front fender. “POLICE” was written in white block letter on the
driver’s side of the rear hatch. The numbers “617” were affixed on the bottom of the rear
hatch on the driver’s side of the vehicle and over the front driver’s fender. “Working
together for a safer community” was written in white lettering on the passenger rear
quarter panel. Black spotlights were mounted on both the driver’s side and passenger
side of the vehicle along with a LED light bar on the roof.
CHP Officer Agredano and Officer Newby had been driving a 2018 Dodge Charger with
California Exempt license plate 1549091. This vehicle was black in color with white front
driver and passenger
doors. Each door was
marked with
“HIGHWAY PATROL”
in gold block lettering
over gold California
Highway Patrol stars.
“Safety, Service and
Security” was written in
gold letters over the
passenger rear quarter
panel. “HIGHWAY
PATROL” was denoted
in gold block letter on
the rear trunk hatch.
An LED light bar was
PRPD Officer Hemingway’s vehicle. Bullet strike noted over the “A” in
Paso Robles.
CHP Officer Agredano and Officer Newby’s patrol vehicle. A bullet strike is depicted
on the black passenger door.
Page 15 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
mounted to the top of the vehicle with the numbers “091” stenciled in black on the top of
the roof. Black spotlights were mounted on both the driver’s side and passenger side of
the vehicle.
PRPD Officer Hemingway had his marked PRPD patrol unit parked on 9th Street just west
of the intersection at Park Street. His vehicle was facing northbound towards the Paso
Robles Courthouse and partially occupying the eastern most parking stall on the north
side of 9th Street. His driver’s side door was open. Approximately 15 feet west of this
vehicle was the marked CHP Patrol unit belonging to Officer Agredano and Officer
Newby. The vehicle was parallel to the PRPD Patrol unit and facing northbound as well.
Directly behind both of these vehicles in a north to south line of sight was the Department
of Motor Vehicles at 841 Park Street.
The PRPD vehicle had been moved from the location on 9th Street and was later
processed at the Paso Robles Police Department. A non-penetrating projectile strike was
visible in the lower center half of the driver’s side door.
The CHP vehicle had also been moved from the location on 9th Street and was later
processed at the Sheriff’s North Station in Templeton. A non-penetrating projectile strike
was visible in the front center portion of the passenger rear door.
SCENE DESCRIPTION AT 10TH STREET AND RIVERSIDE AVENUE
At approximately 1015 hours, I arrived at the crime scene located at 10th Street and
Riverside Avenue along with other Sheriff's Detectives to begin processing this area. The
crime scene tape was expanded to cover a larger area as we believed that the suspect
had engaged Deputies from somewhere north of the Rental Depot at 1005 Riverside
Avenue.
The 1000 block of Riverside Avenue ran north and south directly parallel to the US 101
Freeway. The eastern edge of Riverside Avenue was approximately ten yards from the
western edge of the US 101 South Bound lane. 10th Street ran east and west with an
eastern break at the US 101 Freeway. Approximately 250 yards west of the intersection
of 10th Street and Riverside Avenue was the northern vehicle entrance/exit to the Paso
Robles Police Department. Approximately 80 yards west of the intersection was the
Union Pacific Railroad tracks. Along the south west corner of this intersection was the
"Alliance Square" business complex at 935 Riverside Avenue. The land parcel had
businesses on the south west edges forming an "L" shaped shopping center
encompassing a large asphalt parking lot. This parking lot had driveway accesses on
both 10th Street and Riverside Avenue.
Page 16 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
On the north side of 10th Street was the "Rental Depot" business which had a large
industrial style building on the north east corner of the lot. The south east corner of this
lot was the business parking lot which had a large oak tree growing near the southern
facing business entrance doors. The business utilized a secured, outdoor storage yard
which held various pieces of construction equipment. The east side of this storage lot
was secured with a pad locked chain link fence along with horizontal running barb wire.
The southern edge of
this storage lot was
secured with a chain link
fence, grey privacy
slats, and had horizontal
running barb wire.
Several smaller trees
provided a canopy and
limited visibility on the
southern fence line. The
western side of this lot
ran parallel to the
railroad tracks and was
also secured with a
chain link fence, grey
privacy slats, and had
horizontal running barb
wire along with tubular
razor wire. The eastern
edge of the business
had a concrete walkway
running north to south. I noted fresh divots on the walkway that also ran in a north to
south direction. These divots were consistent with bullet strikes. I also noted a bullet
strike which had penetrated the south east metal corner of the building near the front
door. The trajectory of this hole was indicative of the bullet traveling from the north to the
south. This hole was approximately three and a half feet above the walkway.
On the north side of the "Rental Depot" was the "JB Dewar" fuel distribution center at
1049 Riverside Avenue. The properties were delineated by a red curb and a row of large
trees running east to west. At the eastern edge of these trees, which would be the south
east corner of the "JB Dewar" lot, I noted four .40 caliber shell casings on the asphalt.
Based on the location of these shell casings it was reasonable to believe that a semi-
automatic firearm was fired from this location. I noted that by standing in this general
area, I had a line of sight down the eastern portion of the "Rental Depot" to the intersection
of 10th and Riverside. The view was partially obstructed by a dense overgrowth of the
trees along this business border. I also noted that the fresh divot marks observed on the
"Rental Depot" walkway would be in a direct firing line of someone shooting south from
this position and consistent with projectiles striking the pavement. A range finder
estimated the distance from these casings to the center of 10th and Riverside at
Aerial photograph depicting the intersection of 10th and Riverside where Deputy
Dreyfus was shot.
Page 17 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
approximately 70-75 yards. In the north west corner of the “JB Dewar” lot a single .40
caliber casing was discovered in the handicap parking stalls near the curb line.
Behind “Rental Depot” and “JB Dewar” were the Union Pacific Railroad tracks which ran
north and south. A dirt access road which was approximately 15 feet wide ran parallel to
the railroad tracks and parallel to the track ballast. Directly behind the “Rental Depot”
western fence line were four .40 caliber casings along this dirt access road. This was
identified as the first shooting position that the suspect engaged Deputies from. The
suspect then traveled north along this access road and entered the “JB Dewar” parking
lot from the north side of this business.
I noted a marked
Sheriff's Patrol Unit
1352 parked in the
intersection of 10th and
Riverside. The patrol
unit was a 2017
Chevrolet Tahoe four-
door bearing California
Exempt License Plate
1506175. The patrol
unit was running with
the driver's side front
door and passenger
side front doors both
open. The vehicle was
primarily black in color
with a white roof, white
driver's side door and
white passenger side
door. Both the driver's side front door and passenger side front door were denoted with
the word "SHERIFF" in gold block lettering along the bottom. A gold colored San Luis
Obispo County Sheriff Badge/Star was affixed in the middle of each door. "SWORN TO
SERVE SINCE 1850" was written in gold lettering below the mirrors. The number "1352"
was affixed in gold lettering on the front of the hood on the driver's side, and a black push
bumper was mounted on the front of the patrol unit. A black rotational spotlight was
affixed on both the driver's side and passenger side of the vehicle along with a low-profile
emergency light bar mounted to the roof. On the roof of the vehicle was large black
lettering between the light bar and windshield depicting the letters "SO." I observed a
gouge mark centrally located on the roof which had caused a portion of the white paint
and the top of the letter "S" to be removed. This appeared to be a fresh strike mark from
a projectile, as the bare metal was exposed, and I did not observe any signs of oxidation
or rust. I did not observe any other signs of pertinent damage. Large black numbers
"1352" were painted on the roof running from the driver's side to the passenger side. The
front interior of the vehicle had grey cloth seats, along with a permanently mounted Mobile
Data Computer and a Kenwood Communication Radio. Between the seats were long
Patrol vehicle that was utilized by Deputy Pacas and Deputy Dreyfus. Bullet strike is
noted in the center of the roof.
Page 18 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
gun mounts for a shotgun and AR-15 rifle. The mounting clasps were open, and no
weapons were seated in these positions. The rear passenger compartment had dark in
color, molded plastic seats, along with a plexiglass divider separating the front and rear
passenger compartments. The trunk of the vehicle contained a lock box with personal
protective equipment and a bean bag shotgun with orange stock. The trunk compartment
contained miscellaneous equipment and patrol gear.
The vehicle was positioned in the roadway area with the front-end facing northwest and
partially blocking the east bound lane of travel on 10th Street. The engine compartment
area was directly over the intersecting point of the white "Stop" limit line and the double
yellow line lane divider. I observed several areas of blood pooling on the pavement off
the south east corner of the patrol unit, along with smeared blood along the driver's side
of the rear bumper. Directly south of the driver's side rear tire were three Hornady 5.56
casings. I noted a black Sheriff's Office Flex Fit ball cap and a black flashlight in this area
as well.
A black, Chevrolet, unmarked CHP truck was parked facing south west and blocking the
west bound lane of 10th Street from Riverside Avenue. This vehicle was positioned
perpendicular to, and just north of the marked Sheriff's Patrol Unit. This vehicle was
determined to have been driven by CHP Officer Jacob Scott who had responded as a
perimeter unit. This vehicle was not at the location when Deputy Dreyfus was shot.
A white Ford F-150 crew cab truck CAL License Plate 06718B1 was parked in the
southbound lane of Riverside Avenue southeast of the marked Sheriff's Patrol Unit 1352.
This vehicle was determined to be a personally owned vehicle by Paso Robles Police
Department Sergeant R. Lehr. Sergeant Lehr arrived on scene minutes after Deputy
Dreyfus had been shot. The front of the vehicle was facing in a southwest direction. I
observed a small amount of blood pooling adjacent to the driver's side rear tire on the
pavement. Smeared blood was also visible on the driver's side rear quarter panel.
CANVASS FOR WITNESSES
Due to the time of night and location of this incident in a closed business district, minimal
witnesses to the officer involved shooting were located.
After interviewing Deputy Pacas and reviewing the VidNet video from his patrol unit, it
was evident that a white Dodge truck had driven west on 10th Street from Riverside
Avenue in between the volleys of gunfire, and past the front of their patrol unit. A
photograph of this vehicle was later released to the news and ultimately the driver of that
vehicle was identified as
Page 19 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
On June 24, 2020 Detective Patrick Zuchelli #593 interviewed who had
been on his way to work that morning and elected to stop at JB Dewar for fuel. As he
pulled into the fuel station, noted a “police car” parked in the
intersection of 10th Street and Riverside Avenue with red and blue lights on. While
was at the gas pumps, he heard one gun shot, followed by a thirty
second pause,
then there were
two to three
additional gun
shots.
Approximately 20-
30 seconds
passed followed
by one more gun
shot, then two
additional gun
shots.
attributed the
gunfire to be
coming from behind the Rental Depot. He said that after the second volley of gunfire
occurred, he heard someone walking along the railroad tracks. never
saw the shooter and proceeded to exit JB Dewar and drive past the law enforcement
vehicle. As he did so, he noted that the emergency lights to the “police vehicle” were no
longer on.
During the course of the initial investigation it was learned that had been
working a night shift at the Hotel Cheval located at 1021 Pine Street in downtown Paso
Robles. had called the Paso Robles Police Department on numerous
occasions during the course of the active shooter incident and provided the suspect’s
description, location and actions. was initially interviewed by Detective Clint
Cole #588 on June 10, 2020 at approximately 0706 hours.
said that he had been working a security detail for the Hotel Cheval between
the hours of 2200 and approximately 0630. At approximately 0315 to 0329 hours,
heard a rapid cessation of what he thought were handgun shots. said
he heard two more rounds fired and saw the muzzle flash out of the corner of his eye
near Park Cinemas located at 1100 Pine Street. said that approximately four
minutes later a male subject came walking from in front of the theater towards the park
on 11th Street. At this time was on the phone with Paso Robles Police
Department. said he told the Paso Robles Police Department Dispatcher that
there was a man shooting a gun downtown. said the Dispatcher heard the gun
shots through the telephone line. said the subject started walking southbound
towards him on the western sidewalk of Pine Street and went west into alley just north of
the Hotel Cheval.
driving in front of SLOSO patrol vehicle.
Page 20 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
said that he watched the suspect walk around towards the police station where
he "kicked off a bunch of rounds". said he called Paso Robles Police
Department again and the dispatcher told him that the suspect had just been shooting at
the Police Department. said the suspect kept going back to the Park Cinemas
where he was "posting up". said the police dispatcher told him to stay inside,
lock the doors, and turn out the lights in the building. said at one point the
shooter was walking on the sidewalk in front of Hotel Cheval and as he did so, the shooter
turned and looked at through the glass door. said that shooter went
back to the theater and “posted up” again.
During the course of the interview, described the shooter as walking down
towards 10th Street and Riverside Avenue where he heard an exchange of gunfire and
“officer down” broadcast over the radio.
As the shooter was walking
through the downtown area
said he saw a pistol
in the suspect’s hand and
described it as a big handgun.
said he last saw the
shooter peeking around a
corner near the front of the
Park Cinemas as if he was
waiting for the Paso Robles
Police Department to show
up. said that he
relayed that information to the
Paso Robles Police
Dispatcher, however no
officers approached the
theater.
described the
suspect as being 5'08 to 5'10
tall with a brown style jacket.
said that the
subject had a full head of
curly hair, curly beard that
was approximately 2 inches
in length, and was wearing
blue jeans with either dark brown or black work boots. described the shooter as
Caucasian. interview was video recorded to show his perspective and
observations (Video Addendum No. 5).
Vantage point of Mr. while standing in front of Hotel Cheval.
Page 21 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
A person of interest was identified by a Paso Robles Police Officer during the daytime
hours. Detective Cole met with at approximately 1530 hour and showed him a
photographic lineup of this individual. did not identify anyone.
On June 10, 2020, Sheriff's Detectives developed a suspect identified as Mason Lira
based on information from Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies and Santa Cruz Police
Officers. A photographic lineup was generated by Officer Helen Schulz #827 of the
University of California Police Department in Santa Cruz. Schulz sent this lineup to
Sheriff’s Detectives in San Luis Obispo County.
On June 11, 2020 at 1051 hours, Detective Zuchelli and Detective Cole went back to the
Hotel Cheval and met with Detective Cole spoke to briefly and asked
if he had seen any of the news media photographs of the potential suspect which had
been broadcast throughout the previous day and evening. said that he had not.
Detective Cole provided with a photographic lineup admonition and placed the
photos individually on a table in front of When saw Mason Lira who
was photograph #4,
said he believed he knew which subject was the shooter,
but did not want to say with 100 percent certainty. Detective Cole then asked
to tell him who he thought it was, and pointed to photograph #4 which was
Mason Lira. then described the bad feeling he was getting by looking at the
photograph of Lira and then told Detective Cole, "I think it's him. I really do" referring to
photograph #4, Mason Lira. The photographic lineup was subsequently booked into
evidence (Addendum No. 4).
On July 8, 2020 Detective Slane interviewed PRPD Sergeant Lehr and gathered further
details regarding his actions and observations on the morning of June 10, 2020
(Addendum No. 5).
The Paso Robles Police Department Officers who were working during the incident,
authored police reports documenting their involvement and actions. This was
documented under Paso Robles Police Department case #201295 (Addendum No. 6).
INJURIES
Deputy Dreyfus sustained a gunshot wound to the right side his head just in front of his
right ear. The bullet struck his jawbone causing a skull fracture, a mandible fracture and
facial fracture. Upon striking his jawbone the bullet travelled through his sinus cavity and
lodged itself behind his left mandible. He was initially transported to Sierra Vista Hospital
in San Luis Obispo and then flown to University Hospital in San Francisco California
(UCSF) for further treatment (Addendum No. 7).
EVIDENCE SUMMARY
Numerous crimes were ultimately identified and processed in the downtown area of Paso
Robles. These crime scenes were processed utilizing the Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab,
Page 22 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
Sheriff’s Detectives, the California Highway Patrol Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation
Team (MAIT), and the FBI Evidence Response Team (ERT).
Riverside Avenue at 10th Street
Sheriff’s Detectives and Forensic Specialist Jeanine West #1038 processed this crime
scene where Deputy Dreyfus was shot. The significant items that were located and
seized at this location included spent casings, bullet fragments and blood swabs. Four
spent .40 caliber casings were recovered from the dirt lot between the railroad tracks and
fence line where Mason Lira initially engaged deputies. Four additional spent .40 caliber
casings were recovered from the south portion of the “JB Dewar” parking lot near the
sidewalk area where Mason Lira shot Deputy Dreyfus from. One .40 caliber casing was
located in the north west
corner of the “JB Dewar”
parking lot. Three spent
Hornady .223/5.56 casings
were located on the driver’s
side of patrol unit #1352
which is where Deputy
Pacas had fired his weapon
from. Blood swabs were
collected from the street
behind patrol unit #1352
where Deputy Dreyfus had
been shot. Numerous bullet
fragments were discovered
from inside the fenced
equipment lot of the Rental
Depot. This was indicative of bullets striking the heavy equipment which was inside the
lot. Photographic documentation was done at this location using both standard
photography and an aerial drone (Addendum No. 8).
The FBI Evidence Response Team assisted in locating items of evidentiary value. The
California Highway Patrol Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team assisted in
forensically mapping the location. The CHP MAIT report provided a diagram for the
locations of evidence identified by crime scene markers (Addendum No. 9).
Pine Street at 11th Street
CHP MAIT Investigators along with Forensic Specialist West and Sheriff’s Detectives
processed this crime scene where Mason Lira had fired numerous rounds. There were
17 spent .40 caliber casings located along the 1000 block and 1100 block of Pine Street.
Specifically, these were found between Park Cinemas and 1026 Pine Street. Numerous
Crime scene photograph depicting area where Deputy Dreyfus was shot.
Page 23 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
bullet fragments were
located in the street area
south of 1026 Pine Street
as well. On the
southwest corner of the
alley on Park Street
between 10th Street and
11th Street were five .38
caliber casings. In
conjunction with these
casings, was a gunshot
residue stain on the
northern corner of the
Goodwill building at 1020
Park Street. This was
approximately 61” to 64”
in height and would be
consistent with a shooter firing a pistol in a southernly direction. Standard photographic
documentation occurred (Addendum No. 10) at this scene and the California Highway
Patrol Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team assisted in forensically mapping the
location. The CHP MAIT report provided a diagram for the locations of evidence identified
by crime scene markers which is included in Addendum No. 9.
Department of Motor Vehicles (841 Park Street)
Forensic Specialist Liddell and Sheriff’s Detectives processed the Department of Motor
Vehicles building and driveway area located at 841 Park Street. Mason Lira had fired
rounds at law
enforcement personnel
who was parked in front
of this location. Forensic
Specialist Liddell
discovered four
expended bullets, three
being in the north
covered driveway area
and one in the street.
Two visible strike marks
were noted on the north
facing exterior DMV wall
where the bullets
appeared to have
impacted. Paso Robles
Police Department
Vehicle #617 which had
been driven by PRPD Officer Hemmingway had a bullet impact mark in the driver’s side
Gunshot residue stain on Goodwill building.
Expended projectile recovered near DMV.
Page 24 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
door which occurred at this location. CHP Vehicle #091 which had been driven by CHP
Officer Agredano had a bullet impact mark in the rear passenger side door which occurred
at this location as well. Standard photographic documentation occurred at this scene
(Addendum No. 11).
Paso Robles Police Department (900 Park Street)
Forensic Specialist
Liddell and Sheriff’s
Detectives processed
this crime scene where
Mason Lira had fired
rounds at the building.
The 10th Street station
parking lot access gate
keypad had two holes in it
along with a broken
keypad itself. Four
spent .40 caliber casings
were recovered at this
location just inside the
vehicle access gate.
Numerous bullet
fragments were located
just outside the Property
Room door, and fragments had penetrated inside the door itself. Forensic Specialist
Liddell documented a hole in the Property Room window, along with strike marks on a
freezer and wall inside of the room. Standard photographic documentation occurred at
this scene (Addendum No. 12).
821 10th Street Paso Robles
The FBI Evidence Response
Team processed the crime
scene directly north of the Paso
Robles Police Department 10th
Street lot entrance. They
located five spent .38 caliber
casings along the street and
sidewalk areas, along with bullet
fragments. Photographic
documentation was completed
and 3D mapping tools were
used to forensically document
this scene. Team Leader
Special Agent Lindsay
Keypad for Paso Robles Police Department 10th Street parking lot entrance.
Across the street from Paso Robles Police Department.
Page 25 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
Eberhard-Cook prepared an Evidence Response Team Casebook documenting this
scene as well (Addendum No. 13).
Paso Robles Amtrak Railroad Station (800 Pine Street)
Forensic Specialist
Shelby Liddell #1535
with the assistance of
Paso Robles Police
Department
Detectives processed
this crime scene
where James Watson
was murdered. The
significant items that
were located and
seized at this location
included a single
spent .40 caliber
casing along with an
expended projectile
that had exited the
victim’s head. The
decedent had US
Currency in his left
hand and a candy
sucker in his mouth. Paso Robles Police Department documented their investigation
under PRPD Case #20-1293 (Addendum No. 14). The lead Detective assigned to this
investigation was PRPD Detective Jeremy Petlachi #1189. Photographic documentation
was done at this location using both standard photography and an aerial drone
(Addendum No. 15).
DEPUTY PACAS WEAPON
During this incident Deputy Pacas utilized a San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office patrol
rifle, commonly referred to as an AR-15. This rifle was a Colt M4 Carbine chambered
in .223/5.56 with serial number SP525538 and internal designator “NORTH R3.” The
weapon had an Aimpoint mounted optic, Inforce weapon mounted light, nylon sling and
collapsible stock. Deputy Pacas possessed a Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm pistol in his
duty holster. This firearm was not fired during the incident.
On June 10, 2020 at approximately 0724 hours Detective Greg Smith and I conducted a
preliminary examination of the rifle. The rifle had a 30 round magazine inserted into the
magazine well. The magazine contained 26 live rounds with one live round chambered.
The rifle and ammunition were separated from one another and the rifle was booked into
the property office pending examination.
Aerial photograph depicting location where homicide victim, James Watson, was
discovered.
Page 26 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
On June 15, 2020 at 1200 hours Detective Eleotte Coyes #1201 turned over the firearm
to Special Agent Marni Barton with the FBI for further examination and ballistic testing.
On October 10, 2020 an FBI report was generated by FBI Forensic Examiner Stephen
Rolando which documented that this firearm functioned normally in all modes when test
fired in the Laboratory.
COMMUNICATIONS
Recorded radio traffic and dispatch calls around pertinent time frames were obtained and
transcribed from the Paso Robles Police Department (“green” channel), Atascadero
Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, and the San Luis Obispo County
Sheriff’s Office (“blue” channel) (Addendum No. 16).
SHERIFF’S OFFICE CORONER’S INVESTIGATION (JAMES WATSON)
Coroner’s Response:
On June 10, 2020 at approximately 0736 hours homicide victim James Watson was
located along the passenger loading platform, immediately adjacent to the railroad tracks
in the 800 block of Pine Street in Paso Robles. Coroner Detective William Miller #942,
Sergeant Tony Perry #397 and Dr. Joye Carter M.D. arrived on scene to conduct a
preliminary investigation. Watson’s body was subsequently transported to the Sheriff’s
Coroner’s Office by a mortuary removal service while being escorted by Sergeant Perry.
Coroner’s Case #18888 was assigned to this investigation.
Autopsy:
On June 11, 2020 at 0958 hours Paso Robles Police Department Officer Garrett Silva
#1307 attended the autopsy of James Watson at the Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office. The
autopsy was conducted by Forensic Pathologist, Joye M. Carter M.D. and Detective
Miller. Forensic Specialist Liddell took digital photographs during autopsy. At the
conclusion of the autopsy Detective Miller certified the manner of death as Homicide and
the cause of death as perforating gunshot wound to the head. A single gunshot wound
to the back of the head was noted during autopsy. Refer to Coroner’s Case #18888 for
further details regarding the autopsy (Addendum No. 17).
Toxicology:
Chest Blood, Vitreous Humor and Urine Samples were collected during Watson’s
autopsy. These samples were sent to Central Valley Toxicology for testing. The analysis
indicated that methamphetamine was present.
Page 27 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
Clothing/Evidence:
During James Watson’s autopsy his clothing and personal effects were examined.
Watson was wearing a zippered hoodie with black and brown horizontal stripes, a black
t-shirt with an emblem on the front, blue jeans, white brief style underwear, white socks,
size 12 black gym shoes, and a black belt with a white metal buckle.
In Watson’s right front pants pocket was a lollipop and two quarters. In his left front pants
pocket was US currency consisting of a $100 dollar bill, a single $5 dollar bill, five $1
dollar bills, three dimes, two quarters and two pennies. Folded brown paper napkins were
also located. In Watson’s oral cavity was a green lollipop with the stick protruding
outward.
When Watson was initially discovered, he had been clutching several $1 bills in his left
hand. An expended full metal jacket bullet was located near Watson’s body as well. This
projectile was later submitted to the DOJ Crime Lab in Goleta for ballistic comparisons to
projectiles fired from Mason Lira’s pistol. The results were inconclusive, refer to the DOJ
report for further details (Addendum No. 18).
Weapons:
No weapons were found on or about Watson’s person.
CONTINUED INVESTIGATION
After the deployment of the tactical teams on June
10, 2020 search efforts were made throughout the
daytime hours however Mason Lira was not located.
A unified tactical command had been established by
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Commander Nate
Paul #0968 and San Luis Obispo Police
Department Captain Brian Amoroso #11100.
During the afternoon hours of June 10, 2020 the
Sheriff’s Office released photographs of Mason Lira
to news media outlets for public dissemination.
Local law enforcement agencies began receiving
information from Monterey County law enforcement
agencies that they recognized the suspect in these
news releases as Mason Lira. The positive
identification of Mason Lira along with surveillance photographs of his current clothing
and characteristics was distributed amongst law enforcement personnel in San Luis
Obispo County including tactical teams and law enforcement officers that were searching
for him. At approximately 1630 hours the San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT Team was
released from Paso Robles in order to rest, pending further deployment.
Photograph disseminated to news media.
Page 28 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
On June 10, 2020 at 2100 hours, I made telephone contact with Officer Moreno who
works for the Marina Police Department in Monterey County. I had learned from San Luis
Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Detective Ian Doughty #1255 that Officer Moreno had
positively identified Mason Lira as the suspect in our investigation. Detective Doughty
had briefly spoken to Officer Moreno but was not able to gather additional details at that
time. I spoke to Officer Moreno via telephone who advised me that he had seen a social
media posting regarding the Paso Robles incident which depicted a male subject who he
recognized to be Mason Lira. Officer Moreno informed me that he had been present
when Mason Lira was arrested on May 20, 2020 after Mason Lira had walked into a T-
Mobile store and threatened to kill customers. According to Officer Moreno, Mason Lira
was released from Monterey County Jail on June 3, 2020. Officer Moreno advised me
that Mason Lira had numerous contacts and arrests in Monterey County and experienced
mental health issues.
At approximately 2100 hours, an FBI SWAT Team had begun arriving in Paso Robles.
The FBI SWAT Team was to be tasked with providing tactical relief to the San Luis Obispo
County SED Team during the night-time hours. Unbeknownst to law enforcement officers
at this time, a subject matching the physical description of Mason Lira was captured on a
motion sensor surveillance camera walking away from the area of Park Cinemas. This
occurred at 2134 hours.
At 2158 hours, video surveillance showed Mason Lira walking through the parking lot of
the Oxford Suites located at 800 4th Street in Paso Robles. One minute later PRPD
Dispatch received two calls of “shots” heard in this area. and his wife
reported they were sitting by the fire in the patio area of the Oxford Suites located at 800
4th St, Paso Robles. The patio area was located on the north east corner of the property.
heard one gunshot come from the area of the parking lot adjacent to where they
were sitting. saw a male walk from behind a short wall on the far east side of the
parking lot going towards the south east corner of the hotel in a diagonal direction.
had seen the news release with the suspect photograph of Mason Lira from the earlier
active shooter incident and said the subject he saw walking through the parking lot
matched the description based on appearance and clothing.
Paso Robles Police Department Officer Cody Birks #1384, Officer Stephen Lugo #1401,
Officer Brett Lowe #1383 and Officer Brenden Neary #1426 immediately responded to
the area and began searching a vacant apartment complex in the 200 block of Spring
Street, adjacent to the Oxford Suites. At 2205 hours Officer Neary observed a subject
matching the suspect description in the apartment complex. Body Worn Camera footage
from Officer Neary depicted him yelling at a subject who was approximately 20 feet from
him as the subject entered a stairwell. The officers engaged in a foot pursuit with Mason
Lira but lost sight of him in the complex.
A large number of the law enforcement personnel who had been searching for Mason
Lira and investigating the crime scenes throughout the day, had been in the process of
returning home around this same time frame. Majority of these law enforcement officers
returned to the Paso Robles area and took perimeter positions in the vicinity of where
Page 29 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
Mason Lira had last been seen. This included the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office SED
Team and Sheriff’s Detectives.
The PRPD Officers indicated to responding tactical teams that they had heard doors
slamming in the apartment complex indicative of Mason Lira having entered one of the
buildings. The FBI SWAT team was tasked with searching the apartment complex while
responding law enforcement personnel established perimeter positions in the immediate
vicinity. It was later determined that Mason Lira had entered the Salinas Riverbed from
the south east of the apartment complex prior to a perimeter containment being
established.
On June 11, 2020 Paso
Robles Police Department
received a call for service at
0213 hours at the Chevron
gas station located at 1859
Ramada Drive. This location
was approximately one and
three quarter miles south of
the apartment complex
where Mason Lira had last
been seen. This call for
service described a male
subject with curly hair, tan
sweater, sweaty and talking
to himself southbound on
Ramada Drive from the area
of Chevron. A review of
surveillance footage
confirmed that Mason Lira
had been inside of the store prior to the call for service.
At 0222 hours PRPD Officer Neary, Officer Lugo, Officer Lowe and Officer Birks had
responded to the area of Chevron on Ramada Drive and were checking the area for
Mason Lira. They were in the dead end cul-de-sac on Calle Propano when PRPD Officer
Neary reported hearing numerous gunshots coming from east of their position in the
riverbed area.
Law enforcement resources then repositioned and responded to the Salinas Riverbed
area east of Calle Propano, where a large perimeter was established. Air Operations
were utilized, however there were no additional sightings or contact with Mason Lira
throughout the remaining night-time hours.
Surveillance photograph depicting Mason Lira inside of Chevron on Ramada
Drive around 0200 hours.
Page 30 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
BUNKER ON PINE STREET
On June 11, 2020 at 0820 hours, Plumber reported that he had discovered
an underground storm drain below the Park Cinemas located at 1100 Pine Street. PRPD
Officer Adam Ketchum #1208 and PRPD Officer Tyler Pierce #1349 responded to
conduct a preliminary investigation at 0826 hours and discovered evidence that Mason
Lira had been staying in this location. This location was ultimately referred to as a bunker
during further investigative reports and crime scene processing.
The access to this bunker was underneath the Park Cinemas. The front doors to Park
Cinemas opened west towards Pine Street. A concrete and brick patio area and flight of
stairs were immediately accessible outside of this main entrance. A white metal handrail
ran parallel to the front of the building and was several feet off of the west facing wall.
Between the handrail and the wall itself was green shrubbery. From a position north of
the handrail, a white metal grate, similar to prison bars, was visible. By looking through
this metal grate
plumbing was
visible in a large
underground
area below the
movie theater.
The grate itself
was closed and
had been
“dummy locked”
according to
By tilting the
grate forward a
person could
easily make
access into the
underground
area. A green,
black, and brown,
camouflage
blanket was draped over some of the plumbing which obstructed view of a temporary
bedding area. The bunker had gray cinder block interior walls, concrete floors and brown
metal I-Beams running north to south along the roof. The roof height itself was
approximately five to six feet from the floor. The length of the bunker ran west to east.
At the eastern end of the bunker was another metal grate also similar to prison bars which
had an unobstructed view of Railroad Avenue.
Photograph depicting inside of Park Cinemas bunker. Photograph was taken facing east
towards Railroad Avenue.
Page 31 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
PRPD Officer Ketchum conducted a preliminary search of the bunker which was recorded
on his body worn camera (Video Addendum No. 6). The FBI Evidence Response Team
responded to the bunker and were tasked with processing this location for evidence.
Photographic documentation was done by the Evidence Response Team along with
SLOSO Detective Zuchelli (Addendum No. 19).
The FBI Evidence
Response Team
discovered
Remington .38
Special ammunition,
Union Metallic
Cartridge
Company .357
Magnum
ammunition,
Winchester .38
Special ammunition,
a partially empty box
of Remington
UMC .40 caliber
ammunition, a Social
Security card for
and an Automobile Certificate of Title for amongst many other
items. Miscellaneous clothing and blankets along with a Dole Pineapple juice can were
found as well. The evidence indicated that Mason Lira had been using this as a transient
camp and had been hiding in this location during the daytime hours on June 10, 2020.
This was the area where Mason Lira had last been seen at 0430 hours by PRPD
Commander Davis. Commander Davis had been in the back lot of the police station
watching Mason Lira fire his gun indiscriminately into downtown Paso Robles from this
location. Additionally, Mr. had last seen Mason Lira in this area and Park
Cinemas surveillance video depicted an image heading towards the bunker just after
0430 hours as well. This was also the area in which Mason Lira was scene on June 10,
2020 at 2134 hours on the surveillance video.
INVESTIGATIVE SUMMARY FOR OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING #2
On June 11, 2020 at approximately 0600 hours, SLOPD Captain Amoroso took over
tactical command from SLOSO Commander Paul. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s
Office SED Team was released from Paso Robles in order to rest, pending further
deployment. They were replaced in the Salinas Riverbed by the San Luis Obispo
Regional SWAT Team. The Regional SWAT Team was tasked with maintaining security
and perimeter positions in the Salinas Riverbed area throughout the day, pending the
return of law enforcement resources that afternoon.
Ammunition cache discovered inside of the bunker.
Page 32 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
The Regional SWAT Team divided themselves into “Blue” team and “Green” team.
Arroyo Grande Police Department Sergeant Michael Smiley #P071 was the team leader
for “Blue” team which utilized a marked San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office SED
Bearcat. His team members included Paso Robles Police Department Officer Trevor
Aguilar #1351, Pismo Beach Police Department Officer Erik Jimenez #P110, Arroyo
Grande Police Department Senior Officer Stephen Doherty #P0106, San Luis Obispo
Police Department Officer Sean Jessen #50580, San Luis Obispo Police Department
Officer Luca Benedetti #15913, San Luis Obispo Police Department Officer Jeff Koznek
#55150, San Luis Obispo Police Department Officer Tim Koznek #55155 and California
State Parks Ranger Chris Hendricks. Ranger Hendricks was driving a marked California
State Parks Chevrolet Tahoe with K-9 Janko. The team members were wearing black
multi-cam “Tru-Spec” brand uniforms with black external vests and black helmets. All of
these uniforms had the word “POLICE” in white lettering on the front and back of the
external vests. Some of the uniforms also had “POLICE” in white lettering on the
shoulders and/or San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT Team patches visible in the shoulder
areas.
The “Blue” team searched several locations throughout the morning hours related to
suspicious circumstances that were reported to them. At approximately 1309 hours the
team was providing a security detail for the FBI Evidence Response Team in the area of
Calle Propano off of Ramada Drive. They were alerted by an Air Operations aircraft of a
male subject approaching their location. Team members contacted the unidentified male
subject who claimed to know the suspect’s whereabouts two miles south of their current
location. The subject claimed that he was a “preacher” and that God had spoken to him
in a dream and told him to save the suspect’s soul. The “preacher” agreed to lead officers
to this location where the suspect was. The “preacher” was never identified by “Blue”
team members.
AGPD Sergeant Smiley informed the command post that they would be escorting this
individual through the riverbed. “Blue” team was split up with SLOPD Officers Benedetti,
J. Koznek and T. Koznek following the “preacher” through the riverbed on foot. The
remainder of “Blue” team planned to follow these officers from an “overwatch” position
along the railroad tracks. The Bearcat led the overwatch, followed by Ranger Hendricks
in his Tahoe patrol vehicle. As the team began moving southbound, body worn cameras
showed them searching transient encampments along the Salinas Riverbed. As they
continued along the riverbed, SLOPD Officer J. Koznek said they reached a point where
the preacher said, “God told me to stop here since he’s gonna kill me…” so “I started
yelling for him to believe in Jesus.” SLOPD Officer J. Koznek said they learned that the
“preacher” had never actually seen the suspect, but “that was still the best intelligence we
had so we figured we would follow it.”
Page 33 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
The SLOPD Officers and
the “preacher” reached a
point where they lost visual
contact with the remaining
“Blue” team Officers who
were approximately 300-
400 yards northwest of
their position. The
remaining “Blue” team
members had arrived at a
position along the east side
of the railroad tracks, just
east of the Dusi Vineyard
located at 2110 Ramada
Drive which is
approximately 100 yards
north of the Cal Portland
Yard.
AGPD Sergeant Smiley was notified by AGPD Senior Officer Doherty of a blue glove
along the tree line on the west side of the Bearcat. AGPD Sergeant Smiley elected to
approach this tree line on foot from the front of the Bearcat to further inspect this item.
The remaining team members were to approach the tree line on foot from the rear of the
Bearcat.
As AGPD Sergeant Smiley neared the railroad tracks he heard a single gunshot from
north west of his position. He then heard a second gunshot which struck him on the
outside of his right calf and exited on the inside of his right calf. AGPD Sergeant Smiley
announced to his team members that he had been shot, as he ran/limped back to the
east side of the Bearcat. AGPD Sergeant Smiley instructed his team members to return
fire. As AGPD Sergeant Smiley was applying a tourniquet to this leg, PRPD Officer
Aguilar exited the driver’s seat of the Bearcat and fired approximately 20 rounds of
“suppressive fire” over the hood of the Bearcat where he believed the gunshots had
originated from.
PBPD Officer Jimenez heard two gunshots followed by AGPD Sergeant Smiley say that
he had been shot. PBPD Officer Jimenez took a position behind the rear passenger side
of the Bearcat and provided “suppressive fire” into the heavily bushed area where he
believed the suspect was. When his weapon ran out of ammunition, PBPD Officer
Jimenez changed positions with SLOPD Officer Jessen. The shooting event was
captured on a body worn camera which was being worn by PBPD Officer Jimenez (Video
Addendum No. 7).
SLOPD Officer Jessen had heard AGPD Sergeant Smiley yell “I’ve been shot! I’ve been
shot! Cover fire.” SLOPD Officer Jessen observed PBPD Officer Jimenez firing his gun
and “run dry,” at which point they traded positions and SLOPD Officer Jessen deployed
Photograph of eastern edge of Dusi Vineyard and the Salinas Riverbed.
Page 34 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
“cover fire” into a tree along the dirt berm where he believed the shooting was coming
from.
AGPD Senior Officer Doherty was in the turret of the Bearcat in an overwatch position.
He heard two gunshots and also provided suppressive fire into the area of an oak tree
along a dirt berm. AGPD Senior Officer Doherty fired approximately 17 rounds from this
turret position.
During the initial volley of suppressive fire, Ranger Hendricks was by himself along the
eastern side of his patrol vehicle which was parked behind the Bearcat facing southbound
as well. His team members described having the goal and direction from AGPD Sergeant
Smiley to get everyone inside of the armored bearcat. Suppressive fired was directed
into the dirt berm as Ranger Hendricks ran from his position of concealment to a position
behind the Bearcat. The Officers continued firing towards the dirt berm area as they
entered the back doors of the Bearcat. Ranger Hendricks also directed suppressive fire
into the berm.
All of the Officers fired multiple volleys of gunfire with PBPD Officer Jimenez firing
approximately 57 rounds, PRPD Offficer Aguilar firing approximately 20 rounds, SLOPD
Officer Jessen firing approximately 26 rounds and Ranger Hendricks firing approximately
14 rounds. AGPD Sergeant Smiley fired approximately 9 rounds of suppressive fire as
he entered the Bearcat as well.
Once all of the Officers had made their way into the armored Bearcat, they secured the
doors and hatches. At approximately 1437 hours the Bearcat headed towards Easy
Street and Ramada Drive where AGPD Sergeant Smiley was turned over to a Fish &
Wildlife Officer for medical evacuation.
Upon arrival at this
location, SLOPD Officers
Benedetti, J. Koznek and
T. Koznek rejoined the
team in the Bearcat. The
unidentified “preacher”
was directed to leave the
area as he had still been
with these “Blue” team
members. Also joining
“Blue” team at this time,
was San Luis Obispo
Sheriff’s Office Sergeant
Chad Nicholson #1240
and Detective Rainer
Bodine #1107, both of
whom are members of the
Sheriff’s Office SED SED Bearcat being utilized by “Blue” Team. Positioned facing west.
Page 35 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
Team. “Blue” team with the new personnel, then returned to the area where they had
originally been fired upon and repositioned the Bearcat facing west towards the berm.
On June 26, 2020, at 0944 hours, PRPD Officer Aguilar provided a voluntary statement
at the Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Officer Aguilar was
represented by attorneys, Jason Ewert and Emil Florez. Detective Slane and I were
present for the voluntary statement which was audio recorded and transcribed
(Addendum No. 20).
On June 26, 2020, at 1155 hours, PBPD Officer Jimenez provided a voluntary statement
at the Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Officer Jimenez was
represented by attorneys, Jason Ewert and Emil Florez. Detective Slane and I were
present for the voluntary statement which was audio recorded and transcribed
(Addendum No. 21).
On June 29, 2020, at 1312 hours, AGPD Sergeant Smiley provided a voluntary statement
at the Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Sergeant Smiley was
represented by attorney, Howard Liberman. Detective Slane and Detective Lopes were
present for the voluntary statement which was audio recorded and transcribed
(Addendum No. 22).
On June 29, 2020, at 1521 hours, AGPD Sr. Officer Doherty provided a voluntary
statement at the Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Sr. Officer
Doherty was represented by attorney Howard Liberman. Detective Lopes and I were
present for the voluntary statement which was audio recorded and transcribed
(Addendum No. 23).
On June 30, 2020, at 1201 hours, California State Parks Ranger Hendricks provided a
voluntary statement at the Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Ranger
Hendricks was represented by attorney, Howard Liberman. Detective Slane and I were
present for the voluntary statement which was audio recorded and transcribed
(Addendum No. 24).
On July 7, 2020, at 1119 hours, SLOPD Officer Jessen provided a voluntary statement at
the Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Officer Jessen was
represented by attorney Samantha Swanson. Detective Slane and I were present for the
voluntary statement which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 25).
SCENE DESCRIPTION
The "Tracks" crime scene was located east of the Dusi Vineyard at 2100 Ramada Drive,
Paso Robles, California. The officer involved shooting occurred near the railroad tracks
as the San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT "Blue" Team was patrolling southbound on the
east side of the tracks. Between the vineyard and railroad tracks, where the officer
involved shooting occurred, was a large hill, which had numerous oak trees along the
hilltop. These trees had extremely dense foliage which hung over the east side of the
Page 36 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
hillside towards the railroad tracks. The railroad tracks were comprised of rolled steel
with a profile of an asymmetrical rounded I-beam, which was attached to a wooden
"railroad tie" laid perpendicular to the rails. Underneath and surrounding the railroad tie
and I-beam were granite rocks. These granite rocks were approximately two to three
inches in diameter, and were the base to the railroad tie and beam, the rocks were set on
the entire length of the tracks. This granite rock base, or track ballast, extended the entire
length of the railroad property, which was approximately four feet on either side of the
railroad tracks.
The San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT “Blue” Team had been utilizing the San Luis Obispo
County Sheriff’s Office Bearcat at the time of this incident. The vehicle was parked on
the east side of the tracks facing southbound during the incident. The Bearcat was moved
after the officer involved shooting in order to transfer personnel. It was then repositioned
facing west in the general vicinity of where the original officer involved shooting occurred.
The Bearcat was matte black in color and made by Lenco. The word “SHERIFF” was
affixed in gold block letters above the dual windshields. There was a single red and blue
light mounted at the top of the grill at the front of the vehicle. A gold San Luis Obispo
County Sheriff’s Office star was affixed on both sides of the vehicle above the rear wheel
wells. A single red and blue light were affixed above the rear doors of the Bearcat. The
word “SHERIFF” was affixed in gold block letters on the back doors. The numbers "1972"
were visible on the driver's side bumper in white coloring.
California State Parks Ranger Hendricks
was driving a white four door 2016
Chevrolet Tahoe with California Exempt
Plate 1491851. On both the front driver’s
side and passenger side doors were silver
“California State Park Peace Officer” stars.
Both the rear driver’s side and passenger
side doors were marked with “K-9 UNIT
STAY BACK” in black bold lettering.
“CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS” was written
on each rear quarter panel in green bold
lettering. A low profile LED “Code 3” light
bar was mounted on the roof of the vehicle.
The rear trunk gate was denoted with the
words “K-9 UNIT STAY BACK” in bold black lettering, “CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS” in
bold green lettering and a round California State Parks emblem. When the officer
involved shooting occurred, this vehicle had been parked facing south while on the east
side of the tracks immediately north of the Bearcat.
CANVASS FOR WITNESSES
Due to the location of this incident there were minimal vantage points that captured direct
view of the officer involved shooting. Approximately 650 yards south east of where the
shooting occurred was a residence at 725 Volpi Ysabel Road. Although a significant
Stock image of Ranger Hendricks’ patrol vehicle.
Page 37 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
distance away, this residence had a direct line of sight to the area where “Blue” Team
engaged Mason Lira. Detective Smith spoke to who resided at this
location. She advised Detective Smith that her son had recorded video of the officer
involved shooting incident and provided this footage to him. The video was recorded from
the back yard of the residence located at 725 Volpi Ysabel, Paso Robles. The video was
shot from the backyard of the residence with a cellular phone camera facing in a northern
direction. The video was focused on the Salinas Riverbed and a group of oak trees.
There was a male voice explaining that he could hear gun shots and see dust coming
from the area he was recording. A female voice was heard in the background, which
sounded like she was reporting the incident to a law enforcement dispatch center.
Nothing of evidentiary value was noted and no law enforcement personnel were
discernible from that distance.
Three members of the San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT “Blue” Team were on foot patrol
in the Salinas riverbed area approximately 300-400 yards south east of the officer
involved shooting location. These team members had been accompanying an
unidentified Hispanic male adult who described himself as a “preacher.” They were
attempting to follow the “preacher” to an area where he believed Mason Lira may be
hiding. After hearing the gunshots, these team members ran back towards the location
of the gunfire and ultimately linked back up with “Blue” team members. The “preacher”
was never identified by these operators and based on their accounts it was determined
that he had never actually saw or encountered Mason Lira.
On July 10, 2020 at 0942 hours Detective Coyes and I interviewed San Luis Obispo Police
Officer Tim Koznek regarding his observations as one of these team members in the
riverbed (Addendum No. 26).
On July 10, 2020 at 1040 hours Detective Coyes and I interviewed San Luis Obispo Police
Officer Jeff Koznek regarding his observations as one of these team members in the
riverbed (Addendum No. 27).
On July 24, 2020 at 1520 hours San Luis Obispo Police Officer Luca Benedetti was
interviewed by Detective Coyes regarding his observations as one of these team
members in the riverbed (Addendum No. 28).
Page 38 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
EVIDENCE
The FBI Evidence Response
Team was tasked with
evidence collection and scene
processing at this location.
They discovered one pistol
magazine and two separate
rifle magazines. Additionally,
there were 55 .223 Winchester
casings, 25 .223 Hornady
casings, 22 9mm Hornady
casings, 10 .40 caliber Federal
casings, 10 .40 caliber Hornady
casings and one .40 caliber
Hornady live bullet.
Photographic documentation
was completed and 3D mapping tools were used to forensically document this scene.
Team Leader Special Agent Lindsay Eberhard-Cook prepared an Evidence Response
Team Casebook documenting this scene (Addendum No. 29).
INJURIES
AGPD Sergeant Smiley sustained a “through and through” gunshot wound to the right
calf at this location. He placed a combat action tourniquet above his right knee and
cinched it down. He was evacuated by law enforcement personnel and taken to Sierra
Vista Regional Medical Center for treatment. The medical conclusion was that there was
no acute fracture, soft tissue swelling and gas posterior calf were present, and no foreign
body was detected. Photographs of these injuries along with his medical records are
included in Addendum No. 22.
COMMUNICATIONS
The primary law enforcement communication channel that was used during this incident
was the Paso Robles “green” channel. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office “blue”
channel also had communications between responding units and dispatchers. Portions
of the recorded radio traffic were transcribed around pertinent timeframes. (Addendum
No. 30).
INVOLVED OFFICER WEAPONS
PRPD Officer Aguilar utilized an assigned duty rifle which was a Heckler & Koch G36C
with serial number 85-002076. The rifle was chambered in .223/5.56 with a nine inch
barrel and was equipped with an Eotech Optic and Surefire X300 light. On June 11, 2020
Detective Coyes inspected the rifle after it was brought to him at the command post
following the shooting. The rifle had two 30 round magazines attached together with the
Photograph depicting area where “Blue” team engaged suspect.
Page 39 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
right magazine containing seven rounds and the left magazine containing 28 rounds of
Hornady .223 Remington ammunition. A single round was in the chamber as well.
PBPD Officer Jimenez utilized an assigned duty rifle which was a Colt M4 Carbine with
serial number LE484923. The rifle was chambered in .223/5.56 with a 10 inch barrel and
was equipped with an Eotech Optic and Streamlight weapon mounted light. On June 11,
2020 Detective Coyes inspected the rifle after it was brought to him at the command post
following the shooting. The rifle had one 30 round magazine containing 26 rounds of .223
Winchester ammunition. A single round was in the chamber as well.
AGPD Sergeant Smiley utilized an assigned duty rifle which was a Heckler & Koch MP5
with serial number 69-884. The rifle was chambered in .40 caliber with an eight inch
barrel and was equipped with an Aimpoint Optic, laser and Surefire X300 weapon
mounted light. On June 11, 2020 Detective Coyes inspected the rifle after it was brought
to him at the command post following the shooting. The rifle had a 30 round magazine
loaded with 20 rounds of Hornady .40 S&W ammunition. A single round was in the
chamber as well.
AGPD Senior Officer Doherty utilized an assigned duty rifle which was a Sig Sauer MCX
rifle with serial number 63F040173. The rifle was chambered in .223/5.56 with an 11.5
inch barrel and was equipped with a Sig Optic and a Streamlight weapon mounted light.
On June 11, 2020 Detective Coyes inspected the rifle after it was brought to him at the
command post following the shooting. The rifle had two 30 round magazines with one
containing 12 rounds and the other containing 30 rounds of Hornady 5.56 ammunition. A
single round was in the chamber as well.
California State Parks Ranger Hendricks utilized an assigned duty pistol Smith and
Wesson M&P pistol with serial number HSA4588. The pistol was chambered in .40
caliber with a four and a quarter inch barrel and was equipped with a Streamlight weapon
mounted light. On June 11, 2020 Detective Coyes inspected the pistol after it was brought
to him at the command post following the shooting. The pistol had a 20 round magazine
inserted into it and contained 20 rounds of Federal .40 S&W ammunition. A single round
was in the chamber as well.
SLOPD Officer Jessen utilized a personally owned Smith and Wesson M&P pistol with
serial number DYE1592. This pistol was chambered in 9mm with a four and a quarter
inch barrel and was equipped with a Streamlight weapon mounted light. On June 11,
2020 Detective Coyes inspected the pistol after it was brought to him at the command
post following the shooting. The pistol had two 17 round magazines with one containing
17 rounds and the other containing eight rounds of Hornady 9mm Luger +P ammunition.
A single round was in the chamber as well.
All of the officer weapons were booked into evidence. On June 15, 2020 at 1200 hours
Detective Coyes turned over the firearms to Special Agent Marni Barton with the FBI for
further examination and ballistic testing.
Page 40 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
On October 20, 2020 an FBI reported was generated by FBI Forensic Examiner Stephen
Rolando which documented that these firearms functioned normally in all modes when
test fired in the Laboratory.
INVESTIGATIVE SUMMARY FOR OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING #3
On June 11, 2020 at approximately 1410 hours the San Luis Obispo Regional “Green”
team began responding into the Cal Portland Yard from the area of Cow Meadow Place
and Ramada Drive after hearing the reports of “shots fired” from “Blue” team. “Green”
team was the other half of the San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT Team with the team
leader being San Luis Obispo Police Department Sergeant Caleb Kemp #53500. “Green”
Team also comprised of Cal Poly Police Department Sergeant Shawn Bishop #S3289,
Paso Robles Police Department Officer Dustin Virgil #1374, Paso Robles Police
Department Officer Joseph Gonzales #1305, Paso Robles Police Department Sergeant
Joseph Leonard #1133, San Luis Obispo Police Officer Marcelo Magana #60659, San
Luis Obispo Police Officer Blake Etherton #33665, San Luis Obispo Police Officer Joshua
Bywater #22467, San Luis Obispo Police Detective Greg Benson #15935, Arroyo Grande
Police Department Officer Tim Ramirez #P0144, Arroyo Grande Police Department
Senior Officer Reggie Bio P0127 and Grover Beach Police Department Sergeant Juan
Leon #464.
“Green” team was utilizing an armored
Bearcat with SWAT insignias. With the
exception of CPPD Sergeant Bishop and
PRPD Sergeant Leonard, the “Green”
team members were wearing black multi-
cam “Tru-Spec” uniforms with black
external vests. The external vests were
marked with the word “POLICE” in white
lettering on the front and back. CPPD
Sergeant Bishop was wearing OD Green
fatigues with SWAT patches on the
shoulders. PRPD Sergeant Leonard was
dressed in a black multi-cam “Tru-Spec”
shirt with SWAT patches on the shoulders, OD Green BDU pants and a green multi-cam
external plate carrier with a SWAT patch on the back. Both Officers had been deployed
as snipers with the “Green” team. They linked up with the Bearcat personnel as both
groups were responding into the Cal Portland yard in the direction where the “Blue” team
shooting had just occurred.
The San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT team began moving north east through the Cal
Portland yard and ultimately took a position in the north east corner of this property at
approximately 1425 hours. As they did so, they used the Bearcat to knock over a portable
bathroom into the vineyard from the Cal Portland yard. This was deemed the safest way
to clear the portable bathroom to see if the suspect was hiding here. The Bearcat was
parked in an elevated position with Dusi Vineyard to the north, the US Highway 101 to
San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT Bearcat at Cal Portland
Page 41 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
the west and the Salinas Riverbed to the east. Along the north east corner of the Cal
Portland yard was a dirt berm that ran north and south. The Bearcat was positioned in
the corner of this yard facing east. As the “Green” team had been moving to this final
position, numerous law enforcement officers began converging and self-dispatching into
this area as well.
Included in these responding law enforcement officers were Senior San Luis Obispo
County District Attorney Investigator Neil Clayton #SLDA4297, San Luis Obispo County
Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Krieger #1309, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Deputy Richard
“Ted” Lenhoff #1167, Fish and Wildlife Lieutenant Matthew Gil #743 and Fish and Wildlife
Warden Henry “Hank” Hodel #610. As a six officer team was formed including Paso
Robles Police Department Sergeant Leonard, they began evacuating and clearing
buildings in the Cal Portland yard while moving in a north eastern direction towards Dusi
Vineyard. Numerous civilians were working in this vicinity and were directed to evacuate
or shelter in place. The two Sheriff’s Deputies and Fish and Wildlife Wardens were
wearing variations of marked tan and green patrol uniforms. Senior DAI Clayton was
wearing civilian clothing with a black external vest with “POLICE” in white lettering on the
front and back. He also had a metal badge draped around his neck.
Upon reaching the vineyard, the group
split into two, three officer teams.
SLOSO Deputy Krieger and Deputy
Lenhoff, along with Senior DAI
Clayton, moved east through the
middle of the vineyard and took a
position along the top of the berm near
a grouping of oak trees. This was
directly above the “Blue” team position.
The other three officer team consisted
of Fish and Wildlife Warden Hodel,
Lieutenant Gil and PRPD Sergeant
Leonard. This group moved east
towards the berm as well, following the
brush line and vegetation border at the base of the vineyard next to the Cal Portland yard.
Both teams ultimately reached the berm and then repositioned themselves south to the
armored Bearcat location that had been established by “Green” team.
Teams moved east through the vineyard towards the tracks.
Page 42 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
Lieutenant Gil,
Warden Hodel and
SLOSO Deputy
Lenhoff were directed
by “Green” team to
take a position on top
of a sand pile on the
north west corner of
the Cal Portland Yard.
This was an elevated
position with views of
the Dusi Vineyard to
the north. PRPD
Sergeant Leonard
along with SLOPD
Officer Bywater took
another elevated
position south west of
the Bearcat on a
concrete pile. CPPD Sergeant Bishop had already joined with “Green” team and was
also in an elevated position inside the turret of the Bearcat. The remainder of “Green”
team, along with SLOSO Deputy Krieger and Senior DAI Clayton were in the vicinity of
the Bearcat.
By approximately 1451 hours, these teams and listed officers had made their way to these
described positions. While they were doing this, some additional law enforcement SWAT
teams were directed into this area by the command post, while other law enforcement
personnel groupings had self-dispatched into this vicinity as well.
The San Luis Obispo Regional “Blue” team had repositioned themselves along the east
side of the berm and were facing west towards a grouping of oak trees where it was
believed that the suspect had engaged them from. At 1603 hours SLOSO Sergeant
Nicholson had been communicating with DAI Clayton via PRPD “green” channel to
confirm that Senior DAI Clayton and his team members had left the location on top of the
berm. Senior DAI Clayton confirmed that they had moved to a location 60-70 yards south
of that location with the “Regional Bearcat.” SLOSO Sergeant Nicholson then broadcast
over the PRPD “green” channel that a subject was crawling to the top of the berm through
the oak tree. Due to the dense foliage, the personnel inside of the Bearcat could not
positively identify the subject crawling up the berm. Sergeant Nicholson then advised
over the radio that “PA” (public address) announcements were being given to the suspect.
PRPD Officer Aguilar utilized the public address system in the Bearcat and stated twice,
“Suspect in the tree, this is the San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT team, come down to the
railroad tracks with your hands up.”
At 1604 hours SLOSO Sergeant Nicholson broadcast over PRPD “green” channel that
the suspect was at the top of the berm. As SLOSO Sergeant Nicholson was broadcasting
South facing photograph which depicts the sand pile Fish and Wildlife Wardens
utilized.
Page 43 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
this information “Green” team members had taken positions on the north side of their
Bearcat behind a concrete wall. Included in this grouping of team members was Senior
DAI Clayton. SLOSO Deputy Krieger had moved to position approximately 10 yards west
of the “Green” team behind a large metal water truck filling spigot. Senior DAI Clayton
told SLOPD Sergeant Kemp “be advised too there’s another team down there on the
other side of this vineyard.” As they began to discuss this further, an officer near the
“Green” team Bearcat was heard yelling “Show your hands! That’s him! That’s him! Show
your hands! Let me see your hands!” This was followed by Senior DAI Clayton
broadcasting over PRPD “green” channel that “he’s westbound into the vines.”
At this point in time Mason Lira emerged at the top of the berm and proceeded to head
west across the Dusi Vineyard access road and into the vineyard. Mason Lira was
described as “walking with a purpose” into the vineyard. Multiple law enforcement
officers were heard on body worn camera footage yelling at the subject. Many officers
later stated during interviews that they had given a variety of verbal commands for the
suspect to stop. Fish and Wildlife Lieutenant Gil recalled yelling “Police” “Stop, show me
your hands” three to four times from his position on the sand pile. There were 13 law
enforcement officers who fired their weapons at
Mason Lira who ultimately fell in the vineyard
with fatal injuries sustained by this gunfire.
PRPD Officer Gonzalez was wearing a body
worn camera during the officer involved
shooting which captured portions of the event
(Video Addendum No. 8).
The Sheriff’s Office MAT-V team was then
tasked with approaching the downed subject in
the vineyard. The MAT-V team was comprised
of a group of San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office
SED members including Sergeant Trevor
Mckim #0958, Detective Ian Doughty #1255,
Deputy Jacob Gersh #1321, Deputy Kyle
#1320 Reinhardt and Reserve Deputy Doctor
Kris Lyon #1182. The team was utilizing a tan
armored vehicle with Sheriff’s Office insignia
commonly referred to as a MAT-V. The MAT-
V team secured Mason Lira in flexible
handcuffs and determined there were no signs
of life at approximately 1615 hours. At this time
the area was secured pending the arrival of Sheriff’s Office Coroner Detectives and
investigative personnel.
On June 25, 2020, at 1316 hours, Officer Virgil provided a voluntary statement at the
Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Officer Virgil was represented by
attorney, Jason Ewert. Detective Slane and Detective Lopes were present for the
voluntary statement which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 31).
MAT-V Team making initial contact with Mason Lira.
Page 44 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
On June 25, 2020, at 1612 hours, Officer Gonzales provided a voluntary statement at the
Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Officer Gonzales was represented
by attorney, Jason Ewert. Detective Lopes and I were present for the voluntary statement
which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 32).
On June 30, 2020, at 1506 hours, Sergeant Leonard provided a voluntary statement at
the Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Sergeant Leonard was
represented by attorney, Howard Liberman. Detective Slane and Detective Smith were
present for the voluntary statement which was audio recorded and transcribed
(Addendum No. 33).
On June 25, 2020, at 1825 hours, Sergeant Bishop provided a voluntary statement at the
Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Sergeant Bishop was represented
by attorney, Jason Ewert. Detective Lopes and I were present for the voluntary statement
which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 34).
On June 29, 2020, at 0936 hours, Deputy Krieger provided a voluntary statement at the
Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Deputy Krieger was represented
by attorneys, Howard Liberman and Emil Florez. Detective Smith and I were present for
the voluntary statement which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 35).
On June 30, 2020, at 0857 hours, Sergeant Leon provided a voluntary statement at the
Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Sergeant Leon was represented
by attorney, Howard Liberman. Detective Lopes and Detective Smith were present for
the voluntary statement which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 36).
On June 11, 2020, at 2257 hours, Officer Bywater provided a voluntary statement while
on scene in Paso Robles. Officer Bywater was represented by attorney, Robert Bowman.
Detective Cole was present for the voluntary statement which was audio recorded and
transcribed (Addendum No. 37).
On July 7, 2020, at 1451 hours, Sergeant Kemp provided a voluntary statement at the
Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Sergeant Kemp was represented
by attorney, Samantha Swanson. Detective Lopes and I were present for the voluntary
statement which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 38).
On July 2, 2020, at 1234 hours, Warden Hodel provided a voluntary statement at the
Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Warden Hodel was represented
by attorney, Roger Wilson. Detective Lopes and I were present for the voluntary
statement which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 39).
On July 1, 2020, at 1146 hours, Officer Magana provided a voluntary statement at the
Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Officer Magana was represented
by attorney, Samantha Swanson. Detective Lopes and I were present for the voluntary
statement which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 40).
Page 45 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
On July 1, 2020, at 1439 hours, Sr. Investigator Clayton provided a voluntary statement
at the Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Sr. Investigator Clayton was
represented by attorney, Robert Baumann. Detective Lopes and I were present for the
voluntary statement which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 41).
On July 7, 2020, at 1308 hours, Officer Etherton provided a voluntary statement at the
Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Officer Etherton was represented
by attorney, Samantha Swanson. Detective Lopes and I were present for the voluntary
statement which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 42).
On July 1, 2020, at 1320 hours, Detective Benson provided a voluntary statement at the
Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Detective Benson was represented
by attorney, Jason Ewert. Detective Lopes and I were present for the voluntary statement
which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 43).
SCENE DESCRIPTION
The "High Ground" is an inter-crime scene within an outer crime scene perimeter. The
outer perimeter of the entire crime scene for this incident encompassed approximately
eight acres over three privately owned properties. The outer perimeter began at the
northeast corner of CalPortland Construction Yard (approximate GPS Location: Lat.
35.583991, Long: -120.689098), continued north along the Railroad Tracks (approximate
GPS Location: Lat. 35.586088, Long: -120.690846), west toward the Dusi Vineyard
residence (approximate GPS
Location: Lat. 35.585647,
Long: -120.691666), and
south back toward the
CalPortland Construction
Yard (approximate GPS
Location: Lat. 35.583688,
Long: -120.690600). Within
this outer crime scene,
perimeter is a large concrete
yard and Union Pacific
railroad tracks. The two
separate officer involved
shooting events occurred
within this area. Upon
designating these
specific crime scenes, they were marked with yellow crime scene tape and a crime scene
log was begun indicating all those who entered the specific locations.
The "High Ground" is part of the CalPortland Construction Yard. The CalPortland
Construction Yard is located at 188 Volpi Ysabel Paso Robles, California. CalPortland
Construction Yard is a Concrete Plant that is situated on the north side of Volpi Ysabel
“High Ground” location in north east corner of concrete yard.
Page 46 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
and this property continues east to the railroad tracks. Prior to the railroad tracks there
is an eastern driveway that allows access to the eastern section of CalPortland
Construction Yard. Within the CalPortland Construction there are numerous mounds and
piles of concrete making materials (sand, rocks, gravel, and broken concrete). The
ground is comprised of sand, rock, and pieces of ground up concrete. Throughout the
property there are numerous "gopher/squirrel" holes. The northern perimeter of the
CalPortland Construction Yard overlooks the Dusi Vineyard and the eastern perimeter of
CalPortland Construction Yard overlooks the railroad tracks. Accessing the Dusi
Vineyard and the railroad tracks from CalPortland Construction you need to proceed
down a steep embankment, due to the Construction Yard being elevated above the Dusi
Vineyard and railroad tracks.
The San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT "Green" Team had been utilizing a Lenco brand
armored Bearcat. This vehicle was matte black in color. Both front fenders and rear
doors had the words "SWAT RESCUE" written in white block lettering. Over the front
windshield and above each rear wheel well was the word "POLICE" in large block
lettering. Both the driver's side and passenger side doors had a round blue San Luis
Obispo Regional Team SWAT logo as well. Blue and red LED lights were affixed to the
front grill area of the vehicle. On the roof was an open round turret hatch facing
perpendicular to the ground. This hatch was open during the time of the shooting.
CANVASS FOR WITNESSES
There were numerous law enforcement officers in the vicinity of this officer involved
shooting. Those who were identified as direct witnesses were subsequently interviewed
during the course of the investigation.
Fish and Wildlife Lieutenant Matthew Gil and San Luis Obipso County Sheriff’s Deputy
Richard “Ted” Lenhoff had been on the elevated sand pile with Fish and Wildlife Warden
Hank Hodel when Mason Lira emerged and was shot.
On June 24, 2020 at 1027 hours Detective Slane and I interviewed Deputy Lenhoff which
was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 44).
On June 25, 2020 at 1026 hours Detective Smith and I interviewed Lieutenant Gil which
was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 45).
Arroyo Grande Police Department Officer Tim Ramirez was in the driver’s seat of the San
Luis Obispo Regional Team Bearcat “Green” Team during the officer involved shooting.
On July 1, 2020 at 1508 hours Detective Slane and Detective Coyes interviewed Officer
Ramirez which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 46).
Arroyo Grande Police Department Officer Reggie Bio was part of the San Luis Obispo
Regional Team Bearcat “Green” Team when Mason Lira was shot. On July 2, 2020 at
1200 hours Detective Coyes interviewed Officer Bio which was audio recorded and later
transcribed (Addendum No. 47).
Page 47 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
After AGPD Sergeant Smiley was removed from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s
Office SED Bearcat for medical attention, additional law enforcement personnel entered
the armored vehicle and returned back to the location in which AGPD Sergeant Smiley
had been shot. San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Detective Rainer Bodine and Sergeant
Chad Nicholson were part of this additional personnel. Both were present and observed
Mason Lira emerge from the tree line and head west towards the vineyard.
On June 30, 2020 at 1515 hours Sergeant Nicholson was interviewed by Commander
Keith Scott which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 48).
On July 6, 2020 at 0828 hours I interviewed Detective Bodine which was audio recorded
and transcribed (Addendum No. 49).
San Luis Obispo Police Department Officers Tim Koznek, Jeff Koznek and Luca Benedetti
also joined the armored vehicle personnel and were a witness to this officer involved
shooting as well. Their statements are documented under “Officer Involved Shooting #3.”
A San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office armored vehicle occupied by five Sheriff’s
Deputies was driving into the Cal Portland yard from Volpi Ysabel Road when the officer
involved shooting occurred. These team members witnessed a portion of the event from
the vicinity of where the San Luis Obispo Regional “Green” team was. The SED team
used the unit designator “MAT-V” and were ultimately designated as the team to make
contact with Mason Lira in the vineyard after the shooting stopped.
Deputy Jacob Gersh was in the back driver’s side of the MAT-V and was interviewed by
Detective Lopes and I on June 23, 2020 at 1020 hours. The interview was audio recorded
and transcribed (Addendum No. 50).
Detective Ian Doughty had been in the turret of the MAT-V and was interviewed by
Detective Lopes and I on June 23, 2020 at 1134 hours. The interview was audio recorded
and transcribed (Addendum No. 51).
Deputy Kyle Reinhardt was driving the MAT-V at the time of the shooting and was
interviewed on June 23, 2020 at 1350 hours by myself and Detective Smith. The interview
was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 52).
Sergeant Trevor Mckim was the team leader and positioned in the front passenger seat.
I interviewed him on July 17, 2020 at 1035 hours. The interview was audio recorded and
transcribed (Addendum No. 53).
Level 2 Reserve Deputy Doctor Kristopher Lyon was in the rear passenger seat of the
MAT-V and I interviewed him on July 23, 2020 at 0900 hours. The interview was audio
recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 54).
Page 48 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Detectives Kevin Norris #1211 and Ethan Strobridge
#1042 were assigned to the Sheriff’s Office SED Team as snipers during this incident.
Both had taken positions on an elevated tower on the south side of Volpi Ysabel road
near the Cal Portland yard. They were approximately 450 yards from where Mason Lira
emerged from the tree line and observed the officer involved shooting through enhanced
optics.
On June 23, 2020 at 1433 hours Detective Lopes and I interviewed Detective Norris. The
interview was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 55).
On June 24, 2020 at 1613 hours Detective Lopes and I interviewed Detective Strobridge.
The interview was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 56).
EVIDENCE
The California Highway Patrol MAIT team assisted the Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab in
processing this scene. The MAIT investigators prepared a narrative report along with
scene diagram, photographic documentation and forensic mapping in order to document
scene characteristics, physical evidence, shooter positions, and the location of involved
vehicles (Addendum No. 57).
From the shooter locations along the northern edge of the Cal Portland yard, 96 casings
of various calibers were located. At the vineyard location where Mason Lira was shot, 13
bullet fragments were located in the dirt area around his body. A .38 caliber revolver
and .40 caliber pistol were located under Mason Lira’s body as well. These firearms had
both been partially visible underneath Mason Lira’s right arm prior to him being placed in
A .40 caliber pistol and .38 caliber revolver were both located underneath Mason Lira’s body.
Page 49 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
handcuffs by the MAT-V team. (These firearms were collected and described in further
detail later in this narrative.)
INJURIES
No civilian or law enforcement injuries were reported at this location.
INVOLVED OFFICER WEAPONS
PRPD Officer Virgil utilized an assigned duty rifle which was a Heckler & Koch UMP rifle
with serial number 162-001210. This rifle was chambered in .40 caliber with an eight and
a half inch barrel and was equipped with an Eotech Optic and Surefire weapon mounted
light. On June 11, 2020 Detective Coyes inspected the rifle after it was brought to him at
the command post following the shooting. The rifle had a 20 round magazine that
contained 14 rounds of Winchester .40 S&W. A single round was in the chamber as well.
PRPD Officer Gonzalez utilized an assigned duty rifle which was a Heckler & Koch G36
rifle with serial number 85-002077. This rifle was chambered in .223/5.56 with a nine inch
barrel and was equipped with an Eotech Optic and Surefire X300 weapon mounted light.
On June 11, 2020 Detective Coyes inspected the rifle after it was brought to him at the
command post following the shooting. The rifle had two 30 round magazines attached to
one another. The left magazine contained 28 rounds and the right magazine contained
30 rounds of Hornady .223 Remington ammunition. A single round was in the chamber
as well.
PRPD Sergeant Leonard utilized a personally owned Remington 700 rifle with serial
number RR97665E. This rifle was chambered in .308 Winchester/7.62x51 with a 25 inch
barrel and equipped with a magnified optic, bipod and sling. On June 11, 2020 Detective
Coyes inspected the rifle after it was brought to him at the command post following the
shooting. The rifle had a five round magazine which contained four rounds of
Hornady .308 Winchester ammunition.
Cal Poly PD Sergeant Bishop utilized an assigned duty rifle which was a Daniel Defense
DD5 rifle with serial number DD5016074. This rifle was chambered in 7.62x39/7.62x51
with an 18 inch barrel and equipped with a magnified Leupold scope and suppressor. On
June 11, 2020 Detective Coyes inspected the rifle after it was brought to him at the
command post following the shooting. The rifle had a 10 round magazine containing eight
rounds of Hornady .308 Winchester ammunition. A single round was in the chamber as
well.
SLOSO Deputy Krieger utilized an assigned duty rifle which was a Colt M4 Carbine with
serial number LE478661. This rifle was chambered in .223/5.56 with a 16 inch barrel and
was equipped with an Aimpoint Optic and Inforce weapon mounted light. On June 11,
2020 Detective Coyes inspected the rifle after it was brought to him at the command post
following the shooting. The rifle had a 30 round magazine which contained 19 rounds of
Hornady 5.56 ammunition. A single round was in the chamber as well.
Page 50 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
GBPD Sergeant Leon utilized an assigned duty rifle which was a Colt M16 Commando
with serial number A0130823. This rifle was chambered in .223/5.56 with an eleven and
half inch barrel and was equipped with an Aimpoint Optic and Surefire weapon mounted
light. On June 11, 2020 Detective Coyes inspected the rifle after it was brought to him at
the command post following the shooting. The rifle had a 30 round magazine which
contained 20 rounds of LC07 ammunition. A single round was in the chamber as well.
SLOPD Officer Bywater utilized a Colt M4 Commando with serial number A0457963. This
rifle was chambered in .223/5.56 with an 11 inch barrel and equipped with an Aimpoint
Optic and Surefire weapon mounted light. On June 11, 2020 Detective Coyes inspected
the rifle after it was brought to him at the command post following the shooting. The rifle
had a 30 round magazine which contained 29 rounds of Hornady 5.56 ammunition.
SLOPD Sergeant Kemp utilized a Heckler & Koch MP5 rifle with serial number C319242.
The rifle was chambered in 9mm with a seven and a half inch barrel and was equipped
with an Aimpoint Optic and Surefire weapon mounted light. On June 11, 2020 Detective
Coyes inspected the rifle after it was brought to him at the command post following the
shooting. The rifle had a 30 round magazine which contained 15 rounds of Hornady 9mm
Luger +P ammunition. A single round was in the chamber as well.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Warden Hodel utilized a POF P-308 rifle with
serial number 12BA-11049. The rifle was chambered in .308 Winchester with a 16.5
barrel and was equipped with an Aimpoint Optic and Surefire X300 weapon mounted
light. On June 11, 2020 Detective Coyes inspected the rifle after it was brought to him at
the command post following the shooting. The rifle had a 20 round magazine which
contained 17 rounds of .308 Win-Spear ammunition.
SLOPD Officer Magana utilized a Colt M4 Commando rifle with serial number A0458051.
The rifle was chambered in .223/5.56 with an 11 inch barrel and was equipped with an
Aimpoint Optic and Fenix weapon mounted light. On June 11, 2020 Detective Coyes
inspected the rifle after it was brought to him at the command post following the shooting.
The rifle had a 30 round magazine which contained 22 rounds of Hornady 5.56
ammunition. A single round was in the chamber as well.
SLODAI Senior Investigator Clayton utilized a Lauer LCW 15 rifle with serial number SML-
6423. The rifle was chambered in .223/5.56 with a sixteen inch barrel and was equipped
with an Aimpoint Optic and Streamlight weapon mounted light. On June 11, 2020
Detective Coyes inspected the rifle after it was brought to him at the command post
following the shooting. The rifle had two 30 round magazines with the right magazine
containing seven rounds of Winchester .223 and the left magazine containing 24 rounds.
A single round was in the chamber as well.
SLOPD Officer Etherton utilized a Colt M4 Carbine with serial number A0587885. The
rifle was chambered in .223/5.56 with an 11 inch barrel and was equipped with an
Aimpoint Optic and Inforce weapon mounted light. On June 11, 2020 Detective Coyes
Page 51 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
inspected the rifle after it was brought to him at the command post following the shooting.
The rifle had two 30 round magazines with one containing 14 rounds of Hornady 5.56
ammunition and the other containing 28 rounds. A single round was in the chamber as
well.
SLOPD Detective Benson utilized a Colt M4 Carbine with serial number A0587851. The
rifle was chambered in .223/5.56 with an 11.5 inch barrel and was equipped with an
Eotech Optic and Streamlight weapon mounted light. On June 11, 2020 Detective Coyes
inspected the rifle after it was brought to him at the command post following the shooting.
The rifle had a 30 round magazine which contained 12 rounds of Winchester .223 Rem
ammunition.
INVESTIGATIVE SUMMARY FOR OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING #4
After Officer Involved Shooting #2
occurred numerous law enforcement
officers and teams responded to the area
of the Dusi Vineyard. The Kings County
Sheriff’s Office SWAT team was directed
by the command post to the area of a
residence which was located at 2110
Ramada Drive within the Dusi Vineyard.
The Kings County Sheriff’s Office SWAT
team comprised of Sergeant Chris
Barsteceanu #358, Deputy Blake
Bursiaga #463, Senior Deputy Dakota
Fausnett #436, Deputy Miguel Cortez
#403 with K9 Jax and Deputy Kody Holt
#434. They were utilizing an olive green
Lenco Bearcat along with a black and
white marked KCSO patrol vehicle.
Deputy Bursiaga was wearing a green
tactical uniform with KCSO insignias. The
remaining team members were wearing
green camouflage tactical uniforms with
KCSO insignias, along with external vest
carriers displaying “SHERIFF” patches in
black lettering on the front and back.
As the KCSO SWAT team arrived in the
area of the residence, they noted a group
of law enforcement officers on foot, east
of their position. These officers were along the railroad tracks with no vehicles or
equipment for cover. This team comprised of a combination of law enforcement officers
including, Atascadero Police Department Officer Marc Nobriga #3153, Paso Robles
Police Department Officer Josh Lewis #1353, FBI Special Agents Chris Denning and
Northern portion of the Dusi Vineyard depicting residence
and final location for KCSO SWAT Team.
Page 52 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
Matthew Parker, and California Highway Patrol Officers Isaac Clocherty #18995 and
Timothy Maxwell #15818. These officers were wearing law enforcement uniforms specific
to their agencies. They had all self-dispatched from north of the Dusi Vineyard and into
the area where “Blue” team had been engaged with gunfire.
The KCSO SWAT team elected to move their position further east to the location of these
officers in order to provide them with cover. At 1441 hours, KCSO Sergeant Barsteceanu
advised the command post via “green” radio channel that the KCSO SWAT team
coordinates were Latitude 35.5860, Longitude -120.6909 which was the team’s precise
location along an access road by the railroad tracks. Shortly thereafter, Paso Robles
Police Chief Ty Lewis requested over “green” channel that all units hold their positions
while a forward command post was established on Calle Propano.
KCSO Sergeant
Barsteceanu initially
placed the Bearcat
facing north, parallel
with the railroad
tracks as the belief at
this time was that the
suspect was east of
their location in the
riverbed area. KCSO
Sergeant
Barsteceanu felt this
was the best position
to provide the law
enforcement officers
cover from the east.
As he continued to
assess the scene, he
noted what appeared
to be a tunnel south of
their location. KCSO Sergeant Barsteceanu elected to reposition the Bearcat along with
the K9 Patrol vehicle to form a “V” configuration, with the point of the “V” facing south.
KCSO Sergeant Barsteceanu noted an armored truck and white SUV near a large tree
south of their position along the railroad tracks. He heard public advisement
announcements via a loud speaker advising the suspect to exit and place his hands up
in the air. He informed his team to take positions of cover. As he did so, KCSO Sergeant
Barsteceanu observed the suspect quickly move in a westerly direction into the
grapevines, while disregarding the verbal commands being given to him. KCSO Sergeant
Barsteceanu said he then started taking direct gun fire from the area of the grapevines
which he attributed to coming from the suspect. KCSO Sergeant Barsteceanu was
positioned on the driver’s side “A” pillar of the KCSO K9 patrol vehicle and had a round
impact the windshield near his head. Another round struck the passenger side “B” pillar
KCSO SWAT vehicles positioned in a “V” formation similar to this one during the
shooting event. The Bearcat had been moved immediately after the shooting however
to provide additional cover from the incoming gunfire.
Page 53 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
of this vehicle. He fired two volleys of gunfire at the suspect as Mason Lira was entering
the vines. KCSO Sergeant Barsteceanu then learned that CHP Officer Maxwell and
KCSO Deputy Bursiaga had both been shot at his location. He proceeded to call for
medical aid and field assessments of both officers.
Prior to Mason Lira emerging from the tree line and heading into the vineyard, KCSO
Deputy Bursiaga had been in the turret of the KCSO Bearcat. The turret hatch had been
open and was protruding perpendicular from the roof during this event. KCSO Deputy
Bursiaga had been directed to transition outside of the Bearcat to allow KCSO Senior
Deputy Fausnet to take this position. As he did so, KCSO Deputy Bursiaga observed
Mason Lira emerge from the tree line followed by three loud bangs. He began moving
towards the rear passenger side of the KCSO K9 vehicle where CHP Officer Clocherty
and Officer Maxwell were positioned. KCSO Deputy Bursiaga observed CHP Officer
Maxwell stumble backwards and make a statement that he had been hit. KCSO Deputy
Bursiaga believed the suspect was “running towards us” at which point he took aim at the
suspect and squeezed the trigger on his rifle (no evidence to suggest that the rifle was
fired however). He then heard CHP Officer Maxwell state that he had been hit again.
KCSO Deputy Bursiaga observed CHP Officer Maxwell exposed, and laying on the
ground, away from the KCSO K9 vehicle. KCSO Deputy Bursiaga reached down to pull
CHP Officer Maxwell to safety at which point KCSO Deputy Bursiaga was shot in his right
knee.
CHP Officer Maxwell had taken a position at the back of the KCSO K9 vehicle with CHP
Officer Clocherty to his left. CHP Officer Maxwell described standing against CHP Officer
Clocherty’s right leg and that KCSO Deputy Bursiaga was over his own right shoulder.
CHP Officer Maxwell recalled hearing verbal commands to “get on the ground” coming
from the south followed by the subject walking west towards the vineyard. CHP Officer
Maxwell had his rifle sights directed on the subject but hadn’t made the conscience
decision to fire his weapon. (CHP Officer Maxwell was unsure if he fired his weapon due
to memory loss during this event, but there was no evidence to suggest that the rifle was
fired). CHP Officer Maxwell then started receiving gunfire and was shot in his stomach
followed by his right pelvic area. Both CHP Officer Maxwell and KCSO Deputy Bursiaga
then assisted one another to the Bearcat where medical aid was rendered to both
subjects. Both subjects were then evacuated from the vineyard by responding law
enforcement personnel to receive medical treatment.
CHP Officer Clocherty was standing at the rear passenger side of the KCSO K9 patrol
vehicle. Officer Clocherty heard over the radio that the suspect was crawling up an
embankment towards the vineyard, followed by verbal commands being given over a loud
speaker. He observed Mason Lira “trot” down the west side of the embankment towards
the vineyard. As this was occurring, he saw Mason Lira’s right hand come up followed
by a “round go off.” Officer Clocherty indicated that he fired one round from his rifle as
he was aiming at Mason Lira. He recalled being pulled backwards by CHP Officer
Maxwell who was directly behind him. Officer Clocherty noted injuries on Officer Maxwell
and began rendering aid to him.
Page 54 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
It should be noted that during a
weapon inspection performed by
investigators after the shooting, 19 of
the 20 rounds were accounted for in
Officer Clocherty’s rifle and
magazine. Of these 19 rounds, 18
were Speer ammunition and one was
Winchester. A live Speer round with
a light primer strike was discovered
on the ground behind the patrol
vehicle. This would be indicative of
Officer Clocherty’s weapon not firing
upon pulling the trigger. There was
no cartridge casing located that was
attributed to his firearm. This is further documented in the evidence summary.
On July 2, 2020, at 0911 hours, KCSO Sergeant Barsteceanu provided a voluntary
statement at the Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Sergeant
Barsteceanu was represented by attorney, Roger Wilson. Detective Lopes and I were
present for the voluntary statement which was audio recorded and transcribed
(Addendum No. 58).
On July 2, 2020, at 0959 hours, KCSO Deputy Bursiaga provided a voluntary statement
at the Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Deputy Bursiaga was
represented by attorney, Roger Wilson. Detective Lopes and I were present for the
voluntary statement which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 59).
On July 9, 2020, at 0853 hours, CHP Officer Clocherty provided a voluntary statement at
the Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Officer Clocherty was
represented by Union Director Monte Thompson. Detective Lopes and I were present for
the voluntary statement which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No. 60).
On July 9, 2020, at 1329 hours, CHP Officer Maxwell provided a voluntary statement at
the Sheriff’s Office Detective Building in San Luis Obispo. Officer Maxwell was
represented by Union Representative Axel Reyes. Detective Lopes and I were present
for the voluntary statement which was audio recorded and transcribed (Addendum No.
61).
Live round located behind KCSO K9 vehicle.
Page 55 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
SCENE DESCRIPTION
The crime scene was located east of the Dusi Vineyard at 2110 Ramada Drive, Paso
Robles. A dirt road accessed from Ramada Drive split the vineyard and was the main
access to multiple residences in the center of the vineyard. The dirt road ran east to west
and continued past the houses and ended at the north to south running railroad tracks.
A separate dirt road ran north and south along the west side of the railroad tracks. The
officer involved shooting occurred in the area where these two dirt roads intersected. A
marked Kings
County Sheriff's
Office K9 patrol
unit was parked
facing southeast
on the south side
of the east/west
dirt road and just
west of the
north/south dirt
road. A Kings
County Sheriff's
Office Bearcat
was facing
northwest and
was positioned in
front of the K9
unit near the
center of the
Bearcat.
The Kings County Sheriff’s Office patrol unit #53009 was a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe four-
door bearing California Exempt License Plate 1469247. The vehicle was primarily black
in color with a white roof, white driver's side door and white passenger side door. Both
the driver's side front door and passenger side front door were denoted with the word
"SHERIFF" in gold block lettering along the top of the door. A gold colored Kings County
Sheriff’s Office star was affixed in the middle of each door. The rear passenger doors
were white in color with “CAUTION KEEP AWAY” in red block lettering. “K-9” was affixed
to both the rear passenger window and rear driver’s side window in white block lettering.
The number "53009" was affixed in gold lettering on the bottom of the rear driver’s side
trunk door and “JAX” was written in white block lettering on the rear window. A black
rotational spotlight was affixed on both the driver's side and passenger side of the vehicle
along with a low-profile emergency light bar mounted to the roof. On the roof of the
vehicle was large black lettering between the light bar and windshield depicting the letters
"SO."
Aerial view of KCSO scene.
Page 56 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
Near the bottom center portion of the front
windshield was a hole which was consistent with a
bullet strike. Just above the top of the windshield
line and located on the passenger side “B” pillar was
a large round hole consistent with a bullet strike. On
the passenger rear quarter panel just above the
wheel well was another round hole consistent with a
bullet strike.
The Bearcat was an olive green Lenco brand
armored vehicle. Both the front driver’s door and
passenger door were marked with a single silver
Kings County Sheriff’s Office star with the words
“KINGS COUNTY” below them in black block
lettering. Both the front driver’s fender and front
passenger fender were denoted with the word
“S.W.A.T.” in black block lettering. Blue and red
LED lights were affixed to the roof of the vehicle
above the dual windshields. Blue and red LED lights
were also affixed to both the passenger and driver's
side roof lines and above the rear doors. On the roof was an open round turret hatch
facing perpendicular to
the ground. This hatch
was open during the
time of the shooting.
The back of the Bearcat
was accessed through
two outward opening
doors. Black block
lettering stating “KINGS
COUNTY SHERIFF”
was visible on the top
and bottom portions of
these doors. A Kings
County Sheriff’s Office
star and SWAT emblem
were affixed on the back
of the vehicle as well.
CANVASS FOR WITNESSES
Additional law enforcement officers were at the Kings County Bearcat location and
witnessed the officer involved shooting from this vantage point. KCSO Deputy Kody Holt
and KCSO Miguel Cortez had been on the front driver’s side of the Kings County K9 patrol
vehicle near Sergeant Barsteceanu. Detective Smith spoke to both of these Deputies
Bullet strike to windshield of KCSO K9 vehicle.
KCSO SWAT Bearcat with turret open.
Page 57 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
immediately after the officer involved shooting occurred and obtained recorded
statements which were transcribed (Addendum No. 62).
KCSO Senior Deputy Dakota Fausnett had just switched turret spots with KCSO Deputy
Bursiaga immediately before the shooting and witnessed the officer involved shooting
from this elevated vantage point. He was interviewed by Detective Zuchelli immediately
after the officer involved shooting and a recorded statement was obtained and transcribed
(Addendum No. 63).
SLOSO Deputy Art Munoz #1230 had been north of the Kings County Sheriff’s Office
Bearcat with other law enforcement personnel but only heard and did not witness any of
the shooting. He was interviewed by Detective Smith who obtained a recorded statement
which was transcribed (Addendum No. 64).
PRPD Officer Joshua Lewis was next to the Kings County Sheriff’s Office Bearcat and
observed Mason Lira emerge from the tree line when the officer involved shooting
occurred. On July 21, 2020 Detective Slane interviewed Officer Lewis and obtained a
recorded statement which was transcribed (Addendum No. 65).
APD Officer Mark Nobriga had also been at the Kings County Sheriff’s Office Bearcat
location during the officer involved shooting. On November 4, 2020 Detective Slane
obtained a recorded statement from Officer Nobriga which was transcribed (Addendum
No. 66).
Two members of the FBI SWAT Team had joined up with the Kings County Sheriff’s Office
Bearcat Team prior to the officer involved shooting. They witnessed the event and
assisted in providing medical aid to the injured officers.
FBI Special Agent Christopher Denning was interviewed on July 22, 2020 at 1034 hours
by Detective Smith. SA Denning was with FBI Chief Division Counsel Special Agent
Anthony Montero for this interview. The interview was audio recorded and transcribed
(Addendum No. 67).
FBI Special Agent Matthew Parker was interviewed on July 22, 2020 at 1130 hours by
Detective Smith. SA Denning was with FBI Chief Division Counsel Special Agent Anthony
Montero for this interview. The interview was audio recorded and transcribed
(Addendum No. 68).
Although numerous law enforcement had been converging on the area during this officer
involved shooting these were the only identified personnel at this location or who were
identified as witnessing anything pertinent to this investigation. No additional civilian
witnesses were identified at this location.
CHP Air Operations were flying overwatch during the final two officer involved shootings.
These included a helicopter and fixed wing aircraft. CHP Pilot B. Lamb #18377 and Flight
Officer C. Fisher #13506 were utilizing identifier “Air 71” in a fixed wing aircraft. A video
Page 58 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
recording from their aircraft captured a portion of the officer involved shooting of Mason
Lira. This was provided to the Sheriff’s Office along with video from CHP Pilot D. Perotti
#16180 and Flight Officer D. Weeda #20643 who were utilizing a helicopter with unit
designator “H 70” (Video Addendum No. 9). Their video captured events after the officer
involved shooting occurred and the MAT-V SED team contacting Mason Lira.
EVIDENCE
The FBI Evidence Response Team was tasked with evidence collection and scene
processing at this location. They discovered a fragmented bullet on the driver’s side
floorboard of the KCSO K9 unit, along with eight 5.56 spent casings on the ground at the
rear driver’s side of this vehicle. A live Speer .223 Remington round was located on the
ground behind this vehicle as well. Upon further inspection, this round appeared to have
a light primer strike which is indicative of the firing pin striking the primer without causing
ignition in the cartridge. This is a weapon malfunction that can be caused by various
factors. KCSO Detective Andrew Mazza #428 later retrieved bullet fragments from the
interior of the vehicle while the vehicle was being repaired in Hanford. Photographic
documentation was completed, and 3D mapping tools were used to forensically document
this scene (Addendum No. 69).
INJURIES
CHP Officer Clocherty sustained superficial injuries to the area of his right shin and right
jaw consistent with being struck by shrapnel. No medical treatment was sought.
KCSO Deputy Bursiaga sustained a gunshot wound to the right knee. A tourniquet was
applied to his leg and Deputy Bursiaga was transported to Sierra Vista Regional Medical
center by a law enforcement evacuation team for treatment. A bullet fragment was
discovered in the muscular area of his right knee and was ultimately left in place. Medical
records were obtained documenting his injuries which are included in Addendum No. 59.
CHP Officer Maxwell sustained two gunshot wounds during this incident. One wound
was to the soft tissue issue area of his right thigh resulting in bullet fragments penetrating
his skin. The second injury was a contusion with swelling just above his umbilicus in the
middle of his stomach. Officer Maxwell was transported to Twin Cities Community
Hospital by a law enforcement evacuation team for treatment. The bullet fragments were
ultimately left in place. Medical records were obtained documenting his injuries which are
included in Addendum No. 61.
Page 59 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
Officer Maxwell had
been wearing a
“Second Chance”
ballistic vest made
by Safariland. The
vest was a threat
level NIJ rated IIIA
with serial number
13096258. The
vest was collected
by CHP
Investigators and
later turned over to
the Sheriff’s Office
for further
processing. On
July 15, 2020
Detective Lopes
and I examined the
vest. I noted that on the strike face side of the front ballistic panel just below the
manufacturer label were penetration marks. I observed a copper colored metal projectile,
consistent with a bullet, embedded into the outer layer of the ballistic panel. Further
embedded into the ballistic panel were silver colored metal fragments as well. Utilizing
scissors, we removed layers of the ballistic panel in order to retrieve the fragments. These
fragments were photographed to scale and booked into evidence pending ballistic testing
by the FBI.
COMMUNICATIONS
The primary law enforcement communication channel that was used during the third and
fourth officer involved shootings was the Paso Robles “green” channel. The San Luis
Obispo County Sheriff’s Office “blue” channel also had communications between
responding units and dispatchers. Portions of the recorded radio traffic were transcribed
around pertinent timeframes. (Addendum No. 70).
INVOLVED OFFICER WEAPONS
KCSO Sergeant Barsteceanu utilized a Daniel Defense DDM4 rifle with serial number
DDM4150816. The rifle was chambered in .223/5.56 with a 10.5 inch barrel and equipped
with an Aimpoint Optic. On June 11, 2020 Detective Coyes inspected the rifle after it was
brought to him at the command post following the shooting. The rifle had a 30 round
magazine with 19 rounds of Hornady 5.56 Nato ammunition. A single round was in the
chamber as well.
KCSO Deputy Bursiaga utilized a Smith & Wesson M&P-15 Rifle with serial number
SN13237. The rifle was chambered in .223/5.56 with a 16 inch barrel and was equipped
.223 caliber bullet recovered from CHP Officer Maxwell’s vest.
Page 60 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
with an Aimpoint Optic and Surefire weapon mounted light. On June 11, 2020 Detective
Coyes inspected the rifle after it was brought to him at the command post following the
shooting. Detective Terrell had retrieved this rifle from KCSO personnel after Deputy
Bursiaga had been transported to the hospital following the gunshot wound he sustained.
The rifle had a 30 round magazine which contained 30 rounds of Hornady 5.56 Nato
ammunition. There were no indications that this rifle was fired during the officer involved
shooting and all ammunition was accounted for.
CHP Officer Clocherty utilized a Sig Sauer M400 rifle with serial number 1629CHP. The
rifle was chambered in .223/5.56 with a 14.5 inch barrel and was equipped with iron
sights. On June 11, 2020 Detective Coyes inspected the rifle after it was brought to him
at the command post following the shooting. The rifle had a 20 round magazine which
contained 18 rounds of Speer .223 ammunition and one round of Winchester .223
ammunition was in the chamber.
CHP Officer Maxwell utilized a Sig Sauer M400 rifle with serial number 1699CHP. The
rifle was chambered in .223/5.56 with a 14.5 inch barrel and was equipped with iron
sights. The rifle was collected and inspected by CHP Investigators after Officer Maxwell
was transported to the hospital. The rifle had a 20 round magazine which contained 20
rounds of Speer .223 ammunition. There were no indications that this rifle was fired
during the officer involved shooting and all ammunition was accounted for. The weapon
was not seized by Sheriff’s Detectives.
All of the officer weapons were booked into evidence with the exception of the rifle utilized
by Officer Maxwell. On June 15, 2020 at 1200 hours Detective Coyes turned over the
firearms to Special Agent Marni Barton with the FBI for further examination and ballistic
testing. These weapons were subsequently shipped to the FBI Laboratory in Quantico
Virginia.
BALLISTIC TESTING
On October 20, 2020 an FBI report was generated by FBI Forensic Examiner Stephen
Rolando which documented that these firearms functioned normally in all modes when
test fired in the Laboratory. This report also detailed the ballistic testing results from
bullets and bullet fragments that had been sent to the Laboratory as well. The report
identified the bullet recovered from CHP Officer Maxwell’s ballistic vest as having been
fired from the rifle utilized by SLOPD Detective Benson. The bullet recovered from the
drywall of the Alltech building was also fired from this same weapon.
One of the bullets recovered from Mason Lira’s body was identified as having been fired
from the rifle utilized by Deputy Krieger. Another one of the bullets recovered from Mason
Lira’s body was identified as having been fired from the rifle utilized by GBPD Sergeant
Leon. A third bullet had inconclusive findings and the Laboratory was unable to identify
which firearm it was attributed to. Additional bullet fragments recovered from Mason
Lira’s body eliminated all firearms except the rifle utilized by Cal Poly PD Sergeant Bishop.
The results were inconclusive for identifying the firearm. An expended projectile located
Page 61 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
on the floor of the KCSO patrol vehicle was not able to be attributed to a specific weapon.
All weapons that were not .223/5.56 caliber were excluded from having fired the projectile
however. The FBI report further details the findings and their testing procedures
(Addendum No. 71).
SHERIFF’S OFFICE CORONER’S INVESTIGATION (MASON LIRA)
Coroner’s Response:
On June 11, 2020 at approximately 1822 hours Coroner Detective William Miller and Dr.
Joye Carter M.D. arrived on scene to conduct a preliminary investigation. Detective Miller
subsequently transported Lira’s body to the Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office. Coroner’s Case
#18891 was assigned to this investigation.
Autopsy:
On June 12, 2020 at 1103 hours Detective Lopes attended the autopsy of Mason Lira at
the Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office. The autopsy was conducted by Forensic Pathologist, Joye
M. Carter M.D. and Detective Miller. Forensic Specialist West took digital photographs
during autopsy.
At the conclusion of the autopsy Detective Miller certified the manner of death as
Homicide and the cause of death as Multiple gunshot wounds. The doctor noted 10
gunshot wounds, six to the body, three to the left arm/hand and one to the left leg. Refer
to Coroner’s Case #18891 for further details regarding the autopsy (Addendum No. 72).
Toxicology:
Chest Blood, Vitreous Humor and Urine Samples were collected during autopsy. These
samples were sent to Central Valley Toxicology for testing. The analysis indicated that
no drugs or alcohol were present.
Clothing/Evidence:
During Mason Lira’s autopsy his clothing and personal effects were examined,
inventoried, and photographed. Mason Lira was wearing a tan/brown jacket which was
fastened backwards, black long- sleeved undershirt also worn backwards, and a navy
blue undershirt. A yellow metal colored chain with yellow metal colored cross and circular
pendant were attached to the chain. Additionally, a grey metal colored ring with purple
stone was affixed to the chain as well. Mason Lira was wearing dark blue colored Lee
brand jeans with a black leather belt utilizing a yellow and grey metal colored oval buckle.
Affixed to the front of the belt was a black leather revolver style pistol holster worn in a
right-handed draw configuration. The holster had visible damage and tearing. On Mason
Lira’s feet were a pair of tan Herman brand work boots.
Page 62 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
The evidentiary content of Mason Lira’s front right pants pocket included 35 .38 caliber
full metal jacket cartridges, two .38 caliber lead nosed cartridges and two .40 caliber
cartridges. The evidentiary content of Mason Lira’s left front pants pockets included a
Smith & Wesson Shield magazine containing three .40 caliber cartridges along with
one .40 caliber cartridge in the pocket itself.
Weapons:
Mason Lira was armed with a Smith and Wesson M&P Shield .40 caliber semi-automatic
pistol with serial number HKN0063 and a Smith and Wesson Airweight .38 caliber
revolver with serial number 61625. Both of these pistols were recovered by Forensic
Specialist Liddell at the location of Lira’s body.
The M&P Shield was black in color with a
three inch barrel and had a magazine
inserted into the magazine well. The
magazine contained four rounds of .40
caliber “Winchester 40 S&W” ammunition
and the chamber was loaded with one round
of the same ammunition type. The firearm
had been located in the dirt below Mason
Lira’s right bicep area. The firearm was
registered to from San
Luis Obispo and had been reported stolen
during a residential burglary. (Addendum
No. 73).
On June 25, 2020 Detective Coyes and Rangemaster Ian McKnight #1317 conducted a
test firing of the M&P Shield at the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Range.
Three .40 caliber rounds were successfully fired from the weapon and the three expended
casings were collected for evidence. These three casings, along with a collective
sampling of the .40 caliber casings located in downtown Paso Robles on June 10, 2020,
were turned over to Agent Bryan Traverso with ATF. This collective sampling included .40
caliber casings from the crime scene where Deputy Dreyfus was shot, the area on Pine
Street near Park Cinemas, and the area outside of the Paso Robles Police Department.
On July 14, 2020 Agent Traverso transported these items to the Salinas Police
Department Regional Ballistic Lab for further examination. The casings were entered into
the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) database for comparison.
Sufficient similarities were noted by ATF Crime Gun Intelligence Coordinator Mark
Babione who linked with high confidence the casings fired from Mason Lira’s weapon to
the collective sampling of casings located in downtown Paso Robles. Additionally, I had
coordinated with the Paso Robles Police Department and sent the .40 caliber casing
located at the homicide scene of victim James Watson. This casing was also linked with
high confidence to the casings fired from Lira’s firearm and the collective samplings
located in downtown Paso Robles. (Addendum No. 74).
.40 caliber M&P Shield.
Page 63 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
The Smith and Wesson revolver was black
in color with a brown wood pistol grip. The
pistol had been located underneath Lira’s
torso near his waist region. The pistol was
destroyed and non-functioning in the
condition in which it was located. The pistol
had a five cartridge cylinder that was partially
destroyed and had an approximate 5cm
barrel length. This cylinder held two
expended "R P 38 SPL" cartridges along
with one live "R P 38 SPL" cartridge. A
mangled and expended "R P 38 SPL"
cartridge had been collected from the initial scene in conjunction with this firearm. By
loosely piecing the firearm back together, it was evident that a circular, non-factory hole,
was in the side of the cylinder. This hole was consistent with being struck by a bullet
which would have also caused the significant damage to the firearm. This firearm appears
to be suited for the type of holster which was located and affixed to Mason Lira’s belt.
The damage to that holster, in conjunction with the damage to the revolver itself, is
indicative of the revolver having been inside of the holster during the fatal officer involved
shooting.
HISTORICAL SUSPECT INFORMATION
Mason James Lira was an adult male who was approximately 72 inches tall and 210
pounds. He had dark brown curly hair and a dark brown beard. Based on his physical
appearance and documented ethnicity listed during historical contacts, he appeared to
be of Caucasian or Hispanic descent. He was born on December 23, 1993 making him
twenty-six years of age upon his death. Mason Lira was identified by California Driver’s
License and CII
On June 11, 2020 at approximately 1530 hours Detective Matt Terrell #954 and Detective
Kara Dickel #1259 met with the mother of Mason Lira, identified as at
her residence in Fresno. Also present was Mason Lira’s adult sister,
They obtained historical information and insight regarding Mason Lira’s past behavior and
upbringing. said that when Mason Lira was seven years old, he was
diagnosed with ADHD and when he was thirteen years old, he was diagnosed with
Asperger’s Syndrome. said that when Mason Lira was eighteen or
nineteen years of age, he was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and then at twenty
years old received a diagnosis of schizophrenia. said when she did not
allow him back into the house, he went to a board and care facility and he did okay for a
while. said Mason Lira would escape board and care facilities or assisted
living homes and would stay on beaches or park benches when homeless versus staying
at a shelter. He did not like to be around people because of his anxiety and did not trust
people. said he never felt safe with people around him.
said Mason Lira felt he could think clearly when he was alone. She described some of
.38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver.
Page 64 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
the delusions that Mason Lira had and other behavior indicative of his schizophrenia. She
further described her son as living a transient lifestyle for a number of years.
During a search of Mason Lira’s possessions, no electronic devices were discovered. His
mother had provided possible historical email addresses and social media accounts for
her son. Detective Coyes authored a search warrant for these accounts related to Mason
Lira however nothing of evidentiary value was discovered for the year of 2020. It
appeared that he was no longer actively using his Facebook account or Gmail Account.
While conducting an open source search for Mason Lira, it appears that Mason Lira had
posted two different books for sale on the internet in which he claimed to be the author.
The first book was titled “I AM JAMES” and found on Amazon. The product description
was: “The following story of James is of a past incarnation regarding the death of his life.
Being a supposedly true story having found his hidden grave in Pogonip Park, Santa Cruz
California. The story gets better in the end.” The description of
this book is consistent with a delusional belief that Mason Lira
had reported to law enforcement in which he claimed to know
the whereabouts of a body in Pogonip Park. The claim had been
investigated and unfounded by law enforcement. A second
book was located on Google Books which listed Mason Lira as
the author with independent publishing. The book was titled
“While I Remembers.” The description stated the following: “I
am trying to help you, if any of what is mentioned in the Monarch
PDF files that you can find online triggers a memory in you. You
are in the program. Whether you're being programed to be an
ALPHA, a DELTA or a BETA. Do your own independent
research. And help those who do not wish to be a part of this
program. If you're okay with it, remember the freedom train. If
you liked my book. Please donate it to a friend or local library. If
you hated it; Do not believe any of this. All of it is true.”
Sheriff’s Detectives discovered a significant amount of documented law enforcement
contacts with Mason Lira spanning back to 2012. A majority of Mason Lira’s law
enforcement contacts were related to him making criminal threats, mental health issues
and transient related calls for service. Mason Lira spent significant time in Visalia, Fresno
and along the Monterey Peninsula where he was contacted, detained, and arrested
numerous times by law enforcement. Mason Lira was also arrested in both Oregon and
Washington states. There were no known contacts with Mason Lira in San Luis Obispo
County prior to his release from Monterey County Jail on June 3, 2020. The following are
a synopsis of some of the significant contacts Mason Lira has had with law enforcement.
On August 31, 2014 Visalia Police Department was dispatched to Mason Lira’s residence
after it was reported that he had threatened to kill family members, the pets, and anyone
who responded to the residence. Mason Lira was detained and officers searched his
room. An SKS rifle, 9mm pistol, ammunition, ballistic vest, knee pads, elbow pads,
Book believed to have been
authored by Mason Lira.
Page 65 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
flashlights, radios, gas mask, hood masks, bandages and flares were seized. Mason Lira
was placed on a mental health hold for W&I 5150.
On December 25, 2014 Visalia Police Department was sent to Mason Lira’s residence
where his mother had reported a disturbance. His mother reported that Mason Lira was
schizophrenic and autistic, off his medication and throwing furniture. Mason Lira was
described by his mother as “enraged,” when she refused to pick up his firearms from the
Police Department after they were seized during a prior W&I 5150 hold. His mother
reported that she was in fear for her safety. Mason Lira reportedly stated that he would
kill the police if they were called and if they showed up. His mother said that Mason Lira
frequently has these “rants” about needing guns and assaulting police. Mason Lira was
contacted away from the residence, was uncooperative, and stated that he was a
“sovereign citizen.” Mason Lira was transported to a mental health facility. At this location
he told officers, “You’re lucky I don’t kill you now, you’re lucky I didn’t shoot you, next
time, I’ll shoot you.” When trying to restrain Mason Lira to a gurney, he stated, “we are
going to shoot up the police department once I get out.”
On October 11, 2015 Visalia Police Department responded to a check the welfare call.
According to a documented police report, Mason Lira’s mother reported that Mason Lira
was schizophrenic and having an episode, claiming that the cartel was after him. His
mother said Mason Lira had stopped taking his medications and his mental health was
deteriorating. Mason Lira demanded that his mother contact his grandfather to borrow
his shotgun, rifle and pistol to protect themselves. Mason Lira had reportedly asked her
to get guns for him on previous occasions. His mother stated, “that after reading up on
several past incidences around the United States regarding mass shootings”, she (his
mother) “became fearful that Mason Lira may be intending on doing the same, as his
behaviors are consistent with that of the shooters from past active shooter situations.”
His mother further stated that “she cannot
sleep at night as she feels that Mason Lira
may harm her and continued to say that she
does not feel safe inside of the residence with
Mason Lira living there.” Mason Lira was
ultimately taken to mental health on a W&I
5150 hold.
On September 13, 2018 College of Sequoias
District Police took an incident report
regarding Mason Lira. The female reporting
party said she had met Mason Lira
approximately one week prior at the library on
campus. Mason Lira had complimented her
and after a brief conversation they parted
ways. The following day she ran into Mason
Lira again and this time she provided Mason
Lira with her phone number. Mason Lira
proceeded to text and call her over 100 times Mason Lira being contacted by law enforcement at
the College of Sequaias.
Page 66 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
that weekend which included numerous voicemails. She described his calls as
“concerning” in that Mason Lira would be nice and sweet followed by angry and upset.
Mason Lira also sent the reporting party sexually explicit text messages. Law
enforcement directed Mason Lira to cease contact and gave him a campus restriction
notice as well.
On November 2, 2018 Visalia Police Department responded to a threats report. Mason
Lira had reportedly called his father and said he was on his way to kill him (his father).
Mason Lira’s father said he is in charge of distributing his son’s social security money and
described his son as having mental health problems. He said Mason Lira was upset
because he wanted all of his social security money and to go to North Dakota for some
unknown reason. Mason Lira sent his father demanding emails requesting his “mother
fucking money!” and making delusional claims and threats to do harm to the community.
On January 21, 2019 Vancouver Washington Police responded to a theft report at a 7-11
store. Mason Lira had reportedly stolen some food and was contacted while in
possession of these items. Mason Lira was arrested. During a custodial search 150
rounds of .22 caliber ammunition and a pistol holster were located on his person.
On August 14, 2019 Klamath County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon arrested Mason Lira after
a disturbance on an Amtrak Train. Numerous persons reported that Mason Lira had made
statements that he was going to kill and shoot people on the train, would take “hostages”
and made statements about bombs. Mason Lira’s actions caused the train to be shut
down for approximately five hours.
On March 12, 2020 Monterey Police Department contacted Mason Lira after he was found
talking to an invisible person and displaying a replica firearm while at a local sandwich
shop. A starter pistol was located in his possession. He was taken to a hospital on a
W&I 5150 hold based on his mental deterioration, paranoia and fact that he was armed
with a replica firearm.
On May 20, 2020 Marina Police Department responded to a T-Mobile store on
Reservation Road in which Mason Lira had reportedly “threatened to shoot up the store.”
According to the reporting party, Mason Lira had entered the store and began using a
display phone to send text messages. It was requested that Mason Lira stop using the
phone to text message at which point he became erratic, jumping up down, and said “all
you bitches, I’m going to shoot you” as he used his hands to simulate a handgun. Mason
Lira was also heard saying, “get away from me, get out of my way, I have a gun.” Mason
Lira was arrested for PC 422, criminal threats and booked at the Monterey County Jail.
A historical timeline was created which provides a timeline synopsis of additional reports
and contacts with Mason Lira (Addendum No. 75).
On June 3, 2020 Mason Lira was released from Monterey County Jail and provided a
Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) bus pass which was provided to inmates who are booked
with no money on their person at the time of arrest. He was released with time served.
Page 67 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
According to MST, rides were free as of March 18, 2020 due to Covid-19, so no card
would have been used by Lira. Detective Lopes learned that MST does transport to Paso
Robles and drops off at 8th St and Pine St which is the North County Transportation
Center.
Sheriff’s Detectives reviewed surveillance camera
footage and spoke to numerous witnesses that place
Mason Lira in San Luis Obispo County starting on June 4,
2020 during the evening hours. Sheriff’s Detectives
learned that Mason Lira had entered the Jayde Boutique
located at 823 12th Street in Paso Robles on June 7, 2020
at approximately 1600 hours. Surveillance footage from
this incident depicted Mason Lira stealing a silver
necklace with a cross before he left the store. Mason Lira
was observed wearing this cross necklace in numerous
surveillance videos after the theft occurred. Additionally,
the necklace was hanging from his neck during the officer
involved shooting in the vineyard on June 11, 2020.
It is believed that Mason Lira arrived and stayed in the
Paso Robles area until approximately 1600 hours on June
8, 2020. At this time, Mason Lira was observed on a
Regional Transit Authority (RTA) bus traveling into the city
of San Luis Obispo. Mason Lira reportedly threatened to
shoot the RTA bus driver in the head during his bus ride
and this was reported to SLOPD. Video surveillance
depicted Mason Lira in the downtown San Luis Obispo
area throughout the evening.
On June 9, 2020 SLOPD Officer Etherton responded to 981 Osos Street in San Luis
Obispo for a burglary investigation. The victim, stated he left
his office on June 8, 2020 at 1700 hours and on June 9, 2020 at 0700 hours, he returned
to his office and noticed items had been moved around. He discovered that firearms and
ammunition were missing from his desk drawer and it appeared the suspect had entered
through the bathroom window. The firearms reported as stolen were a Smith and Wesson
M&P Shield, .40 caliber, serial number HKN0063 along with a Smith and Wesson 2-inch
revolver. Initially it was believed that a 9mm pistol was stolen as well but later determined
not to be the case.
Mason Lira stealing cross necklace.
Page 68 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
At approximately 1915 hours Mason Lira was
observed once again on the RTA bus video traveling
from San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles and arriving
at 8th Street and Pine Street at 2047 hours.
Witnesses and video surveillance establish that
Mason Lira began walking around in the downtown
Paso Robles area. At approximately 2219 hours
Mason Lira entered the Piccolo Hotel at 600 12th
Street and briefly spoke to an employee. A review
of the hotel’s high definition surveillance video the
following day, clearly depicted Mason Lira walking
around the exterior of the hotel with a black
handgun. Images from this surveillance video were
utilized and distributed publicly to identify Mason
Lira.
Video surveillance from businesses in Paso Robles
showed Mason Lira walking around the downtown
area throughout the nighttime hours until he was
eventually observed following on Railroad Avenue.
ADDITIONAL INVESTIGATIVE FINDINGS
Although the Paso Robles Police Department has the jurisdictional responsibility for the
James Watson homicide investigation, the findings made by the San Luis Obispo County
Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit provide direct evidence for the homicide, as it is woven
into the thirty six hour event itself.
In reviewing numerous surveillance videos, radio traffic, body worn cameras and witness
interviews, a comprehensive timeline was established for Mason Lira from the evening of
June 9, 2020 until his death on June 11, 2020 (Addendum No. 76). A north west facing
security camera affixed on the east side of the railroad tracks across from the train
platform was downloaded and reviewed. As with majority of the footage obtained during
the course of this investigation the time stamps were inaccurate and had to be synced
and adjusted with other verified accurate video footage.
On June 10, 2020 at approximately 0252 hours the footage depicted a subject briskly
walking south bound along the platform and out of view towards the front of the train
station. Although the video was grainy and at night, the train platform was partially lit from
artificial light sources. The subject’s gait, and physical appearance were consistent with
Mason Lira.
Mason Lira was then captured on a parking lot camera view heading west towards the
area of Pine Street and 8th Street. Mason Lira had an object in his right hand which
appeared to be consistent with a pistol. He was again captured on surveillance camera
footage at 0255 hours near 823 7th Street. A high definition camera clearly depicted
Mason Lira boarding RTA bus to Paso Robles.
Page 69 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
Mason Lira walking up to the door of a business and placing a black semi-automatic pistol
to the door handle while being held in his right hand.
Mason Lira was then continuously observed on numerous cameras throughout the city
carrying and discharging a firearm.
Another significant event related to the homicide was again noted at approximately 0344
hours. A subject consistent with the physical appearance of Mason Lira was observed
on the train station security camera footage again. The footage depicted Mason Lira
briskly walking south bound along the platform and out of view towards the front of the
train station. He then reemerged on the footage heading northbound along the platform.
As he continued walking, he appeared to have an indiscernible object in one of his hands.
The train platform was approximately 65-75 yards due south of where James Watson was
later discovered, and the pathway itself led directly to that location. Mason Lira
disappeared from camera view heading northbound along that pathway.
At this same time, PRPD Officer Hemingway was on 9th Street near the DMV. From this
vantage point there was a direct line of sight to the train tracks which were approximately
275-300 yards east of his position. PRPD Officer Hemingway broadcast over the “green”
radio channel that there was a “man running northbound on the tracks, 9th and Pine,”
followed by, “additionally one shot fired.” The surveillance video from the Sunset
Carwash captured an audible gunshot which corroborated the statement made by PRPD
Officer Hemingway.
Body worn camera footage from PRPD Officer Carson also captured an audible gunshot
at 0344 hours as well. PRPD Officer Carson was approximately 200 yards away from the
train station and inside of the Paso Robles Police Department at this time.
On June 10, 2020 the Paso Robles Police Department submitted a fired, full-metal jacket
bullet, to the Department of Justice Crime Lab in Goleta for analysis. This bullet had been
recovered at James Watson’s homicide scene and is believed to have been the projectile
which entered his head. Due to damage on the bullet jacket, Criminalist Ryan Nunez was
unable to determine specifically which make or model of firearm had fired this projectile.
The lab report indicated that Smith and Wesson .40 caliber was included in the list of
firearms which may have fired the bullet as documented in Addendum No. 18.
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office also submitted four, .40 caliber casings, to
the Department of Justice Crime Lab in Goleta in conjunction with the evidence submitted
by the Paso Robles Police Department. These casings had been recovered in the JB
Dewar parking lot and were attributed to the shooting event in which Deputy Dreyfus was
struck in the head. DNA testing was requested on these four casings. Ultimately a male
profile was obtained from these casings and a direct comparison was conducted to the
DNA profile from Mason Lira. On July 1, 2020 Senior Criminalist Carla Levi documented
that the profile from the casings is consistent with the profile obtained for Mason Lira
which provides strong evidence that Mason Lira was the source of the DNA detected on
those casings.
Page 70 | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office OIS 2006-04328
The single .40 caliber casing that was
collected from the Watson homicide scene,
was transported to the Salinas Police
Department Regional Ballistic Lab by ATF
Special Agent Bryan Traverso on July 14,
2020. In addition to this casing, three, .40
caliber exemplar cartridges that had been
fired from the M&P Shield recovered on
Mason Lira’s person, and 12, .40 caliber
casings that had been recovered at the
various shooting scenes on June 10, 2020
in downtown Paso Robles, were sent to the
lab as well. On July 15, 2020 ATF Crime
Gun Intelligence Coordinator Mark Babione discovered sufficient similarities linking all of
the casings from the various shooting events together with high confidence.
Latent print examination and verification was performed on evidence discovered in this
investigation by Forensic Specialist Liddell and Forensic Specialist West. Latent prints
had been obtained from an iPhone box which had been disturbed and left in
office during the reported burglary on June 9, 2020. One of these prints
was determined to have been made by Mason Lira's left thumb. Another print was from
a subject who had no known nexus to this investigation. The Forensic Specialists also
examined items which had been left in the bunker under Park Cinemas and collected by
the FBI Evidence Response Team on June 11, 2020. A latent print attributed to Mason
Lira's left middle finger was discovered on a Dole Pineapple Juice Can. Additionally, a
.38 Special box of ammunition was found to have Mason Lira's right middle fingerprint on
it as well.
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Detectives authored numerous reports documenting
the investigation of the events that occurred on June 10 and June 11, 2020. These
reports are documented under case #2006-04328 (Addendum No. 77).
.40 caliber casing from homicide scene.