Lethal Force Encounter after Assault with a Firearm in Highland

on June 01, 2025

This follows another lethal force incident in Yucca Valley where deputies shot and wounded a man who they say first opened fire on them. The suspect, Graham Michael Lee Bell, 30, of Yucca Valley was treated by paramedics and hospitalized. No injuries to deputies were reported.

In March 23rd, Michael Ray Richard II, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene on the 100 block of Walnut Street in Needles after a lethal force encounter after an exchange of gunfire following a vehicle burglary. There have been 2 other lethal force encounters this year.

This is following a proposed $30 million claim against the San Bernardino County Sheriff Department for allegedly shooting Jefte Vargas Ramirez, 37, whose arms were outstretched as he was shot to death by a sheriff’s deputy in Redlands.  Ramirez died after being shot on the railroad west of California Street on Dec. 16, 2024.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Jacob Angelini, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.

Prior Arrests and Charges

7/26/2024 in San Bernardino

Misdemeanor - CVC 23152(A): Driving Under the Influence
Misdemeanor - CVC 23152(B): Driving Under the Influence Alcohol/0.08 Percent or more
Misdemeanor - CPC 273A(B): Willful Cruelty To Child
Felony - CPC 245(a)(1): Assault with Deadly Weapon Not Firearm or Force: Great Bodily Injury Likely
Felony - CPC 245(a)(4): Assault by Means of Force Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury

The Defendant pled "Not Guilty"