East SBV Times

The Sheriff’s Department has disclosed the identities of the deputies involved in the lethal force encounter that took place in Apple Valley on March 9, 2024. According to the Sheriff's Department, "Deputy Wyatt Eisenbrey and Deputy Brandon Clancy were the first to arrive at the residence and were subsequently involved in the lethal force encounter."

The incident unfolded when deputies from the Apple Valley Police Department responded to an emergency 9-1-1 call at a residence on Iroquois Road. Family members had informed Sheriff’s Dispatch that "Ryan Gainer was actively assaulting family members and damaging property at the residence."

Upon the arrival of the first deputy at the scene, Gainer, a 15-year-old male armed with a garden tool, confronted the officer. "Without provocation, Gainer raised the bladed end of the tool and ran toward the deputy. The deputy retreated and Gainer chased the deputy in an attempt to assault him with the bladed end of the tool."

The situation escalated, leading to a lethal force encounter where Gainer was struck by gunfire. Despite the turn of events, deputies acted swiftly and "rendered medical aid to Gainer and continued until paramedics arrived." Gainer was then transported to a local hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.

The investigation into this tragic incident is being handled by detectives from the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division. Individuals with any relevant information are urged to contact Detective Shawn Thurman or Sergeant Justin Giles at the Specialized Investigations Division.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department has requested that anyone with information regarding the case reach out to the authorities. Callers can choose to remain anonymous by contacting We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or visiting www.wetip.com.