California man fatally shot by his parole officer, authorities say

FRESNO, California — Justice Department officials in California are investigating the death of a man who was shot by his probation officer in the early afternoon of Christmas Eve, authorities said Friday.

Jeremy Sanchez, 26, was being visited by the officer at his Fresno home when a “physical altercation” broke out between the two, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in a statement.

The officer fired his weapon, hitting Sanchez, the department said. The officer allegedly attempted life-saving measures, but Sánchez died at the scene.

Fresno police officers responded after three gunshots were heard in the area, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The probation officer involved has about 13 years of experience, said CDCR spokesman Pedro Calderon Michel. Michel declined to release more information, including the officer’s name.

Fresno County court records show Sanchez served a prison sentence after being convicted of domestic violence and resisting an officer. He also had an open misdemeanor vandalism case.

The incident is being reviewed by the Justice Department in accordance with state law, which requires it to investigate all officer-involved shootings that result in the death of an unarmed civilian.

CDCR’s Deadly Force Review Board will also review it following the criminal and administrative investigation, the department said.