Riverside County Sheriff's Department, California
End of Watch Friday, May 9, 1980
Add to My HeroesJames B. Evans
Deputy Sheriff James Evans was shot and killed when he was ambushed by bank robbers during a pursuit.
Several deputies had responded to a bank robbery call of several heavily armed men robbing a bank in Norco, California. A gunfight ensued in the parking lot in which one suspect was shot and killed, and several others fled the scene in a stolen car. The pursuit entered the Lytle Creek area of the San Bernardino mountains.
The suspects suddenly stopped the car near the Stockton Flat Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest, and as Deputy Evans rounded a corner, they opened fire with M-16 rifles, killing him. The suspects then fled on foot. During the search for them, one was shot and killed, and three others were taken into custody.
Deputy Evans was a United States Army Vietnam Veteran and had served with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department for five years. He was survived by his wife, son, and three stepchildren.
Bio
- Age 39
- Tour 5 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; M-16
- Offender Two shot and killed, three in custody
Most Recent Reflection
View all 33 ReflectionsGod bless you and thank you for your service!
I was on duty in Lake Elsinore and drove to Corona to help in the chase but I was called off. We listened to the 11-99 call with grief, anger and anticipation.., I never forgot that day and I am proud to have been surrounded by such heros.
Deputy John Semon
Lake Elsinore Sub-Station
December 30, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
Patrolman Justin Hare
New Mexico State Police, NM
EOW: March 15, 2024
Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello
Genesee County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: March 10, 2024
Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: March 8, 2024
Trooper Christopher M. Gadd
Washington State Patrol, WA
EOW: March 2, 2024
Officer Cody Allen
Independence Police Department, MO
EOW: February 29, 2024
Police Officer Wisbens Antoine
Knoxville Police Department, TN
EOW: February 25, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Charles Rivette
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: February 21, 2024
Trooper First Class Chase Winston Redner
Georgia State Patrol, GA
EOW: February 20, 2024
Police Officer Matthew Henke Ruge
Burnsville Police Department, MN
EOW: February 18, 2024