Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Press Release Re: William Fregoso Fatally Shot by Deputy
07-04-25
LASD Deputy-Involved Shooting (DIS) in the 1400 block of Helen Drive, unincorporated Los Angeles.
The following information is based on facts determined from an investigation into the incident described. The investigation is ongoing and as witnesses are interviewed, evidence is analyzed, and reports are reviewed, our understanding of the facts may change. The details described below accurately reflect the facts as
we currently know them.
On July 4, 2025, at 4:24 a.m., East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station deputies responded to a shots-fired, male shooting a gun into the air call in the 4300 block of City Terrace Drive, unincorporated Los Angeles. The caller described the male as an adult wearing a black shirt and black pants. The male was later identified as 36-year-old William Fregoso.
Deputies located Fregoso in the street in the 1400 block of Helen Drive, armed with a handgun. Deputies ordered Fregoso numerous times to drop the gun, but he refused to comply. Fregoso pointed the gun at deputies as he moved behind a parked vehicle.
Fregoso began shooting at deputies and a deputy-involved shooting occurred. Fregoso was struck by gunfire and fell to the ground. Deputies made a tactical approach and rendered aid to Fregoso pending the arrival of Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel. Fregoso was pronounced deceased at the scene. No deputies or other persons were injured during this incident. A 9mm semiautomatic ghost gun was recovered at the scene. LASD Homicide investigators responded to the scene to conduct interviews, follow up, and process the scene. Representatives from the Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB), and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Justice System Integrity Division (JSID) also responded and monitored the investigation.
Once completed, the criminal investigation will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office to determine if the force used by the involved personnel violated any criminal laws. Once the District Attorney’s Office investigation is completed, the LASD will evaluate the actions of the personnel within the application of policy, procedures, and tactics.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Sheriff’s Homicide at 323-890-5500.