On November 18, 2020, the Kern County Sheriff's Office Critical Incident Review Board convened to consider the use of lethal force by Deputy Jason Ayala on October 3, 2020, which resulted in the death of Mickel Lewis.
The Critical Incident Review Board consisted of Chief Deputy Damian Nord, Chief Deputy Larry McCurtain, and Acting Chief Deputy Avery Simpson.
After reviewing all the facts involved in this case, the Critical Incident Review Board determined the force used by Deputy Ayala in this incident was within departmental policy.
Deputy Ayala has been returned to duty following the findings of the Critical Incident Review Board.
Below, you will find a video presentation, including surveillance video, to help bring context to the facts surrounding this case.
https://youtu.be/GBcklPqVMj4
