In January 2018, Deputy Joseph Rowland was involved in the fatal shooting of 40-year-old John Bailon in the El Cerro Mission area. Deputies responded to a tip about a stolen vehicle and confronted Bailon, who attempted to flee. Rowland and another deputy tased Bailon and then opened fire as he reversed the vehicle, resulting in his death. A federal lawsuit was filed in March 2020, alleging wrongful death and excessive force. An internal investigation found the deputies followed department policies. Rowland has since been promoted to lieutenant within the department.
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