On the evening of August 3, 2024, a fatal encounter involving law enforcement unfolded in Rancho Cucamonga. At approximately 9:34 p.m., deputies from the Rancho Cucamonga Station were dispatched to a Vons supermarket at 8778 19th Street following reports of a man brandishing a firearm.
Upon arrival, deputies learned that the suspect, later identified as 31-year-old Davonte Sykes from Los Angeles, had crossed the street to Walgreens Pharmacy. Deputies located Sykes at Walgreens, where he was seen armed with a handgun. As deputies approached, Sykes fired at them, initiating the first lethal force encounter (LFE) of the evening.
Sykes then moved into the nearby Sprouts Farmer’s Market, where a second LFE occurred. During this confrontation, Sykes was struck by gunfire. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital but was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
In addition to Sykes’s death, a second deputy sustained a superficial wound during the incident. This deputy was taken to the hospital but has since been released.
The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division has taken over the investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that Sykes may have been involved in a separate shooting in Upland approximately one hour prior to the events in Rancho Cucamonga.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are seeking any information that could assist in the case. Anyone with relevant details is encouraged to contact the Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).