California Sheriff's Office Releases Video of Deputy-Involved Shooting

NAPA COUNTY, California -- Authorities on Tuesday released video footage of an April 24 shooting in which a Napa County sheriff’s deputy fatally shot a robbery suspect, who was armed with a shotgun, from behind.

The Napa County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that the suspect, Brandan Nylander, pointed the weapon at deputies, prompting Deputy Greg Lee to open fire.

In the video, however, the man does not appear to take aim at the deputies. Rather, he emerges from the car holding the gun while facing them before turning his back to walk toward the front of his car with his arms raised.

When Nylander first climbed out of the car, Lee fired two shots that missed him. Lee fired the third shot and a fourth fatal shot at Nylander as he turned around seconds later, striking him in the buttocks and side of the neck.

Sheriff John Robertson said he had concerns when he first saw the video, but said he believes it is justified after gathering more information. After missing the suspect, the deputy reassessed and decided to shoot again within seconds because the “threat is still present,” Robertson said.

“I absolutely feel the shooting was justified from what I’ve seen and the people I’ve talked to,” Robertson said.

Just before the shooting, Nylander, a 24-year-old Napa resident, allegedly used a hammer to smash a glass display case containing ammunition at a Walmart in Napa around 2 p.m. that day, according to the sheriff’s office. He grabbed a box of shotgun shells and threw the hammer, striking a Walmart employee, officials said.

Dispatch officers issued a description of Nylander and his vehicle, and 20 minutes later, Deputy Greg Lee saw Nylander driving on Highway 29 near Highway 221, officials said.

Lee attempted to stop the car, but Nylander led the deputies on a 3-minute chase that ended when Nylander pulled off the highway onto Airport Road, which was blocked by a fence, video footage from the deputy’s vehicle shows.

The deputy’s car pulled in behind Nylander and the deadly shooting ensued.

The video footage has no audio. Robertson said the deputy does not remember what he said to Nylander.

Robertson said presumptive reports show Nylander was under the influence of drugs, but officials are waiting for toxicology reports to confirm. Nylander left a note for his family and his “deliberate, reckless” actions indicate he may have been suicidal, Robertson said.

The deputy has been placed on administrative leave and the Major Crimes Task Force is conducting an investigation. The District Attorney will determine if the shooting was lawful.

Anna Bauman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @abauman2

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