Full Notification

DATE/TIME:  November 25, 2022 / 1:15 p.m.

INCIDENT:   Lethal Force Encounter (LFE) and PC 664/187 – Attempted Murder

LOCATION: Kelso Cima Road, Kelso, CA 
(Note Correction:  This incident did not occur in Needles as previously reported.)

SUSPECT(S): Austin Edwards, 28-years-old, Male Resident of North Chesterfield, VA

VICTIM(S):  Three Confidential Victims

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UPDATE:  On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, an autopsy was conducted on Austin Edwards by the San Bernardino County Coroner. The manner of death was determined to be suicide caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  No other information is available for release. 
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SUMMARY: 
On Friday, November 25, 2022, at about 1:15 p.m., deputies from the Morongo Basin Station and Sheriff’s Aviation Unit observed a red Kia Soul traveling on Highway 247.  The vehicle matched the description of a wanted vehicle related to a triple homicide in the city of Riverside.  The driver of the vehicle, Austin Edwards, was also wanted in connection to the homicides and he was believed to be armed and dangerous. 

Both Sheriff’s Aviation and California Highway Patrol’s Aviation followed the vehicle from a distance until Sheriff’s Specialized Enforcement Division (SWAT) could catch-up. The vehicle traveled south on Highway 247, then east on Highway 62 and ultimately to Kelso Cima Road.  

As SWAT intercepted Edward’s vehicle, Edwards fled and led deputies on a pursuit. During the pursuit, Edwards fired at the deputies.  The volley of gunfire struck the SWAT vehicle numerous times.  Edwards lost control of his vehicle and the pursuit ended when he drove off the road.  The female victim exited the vehicle and was rescued by deputies.  Edwards exited the vehicle and pointed a gun at the Sheriff’s helicopter and deputies fired at Edwards.  Upon contact, Edwards was unresponsive and pronounced deceased at the scene.    

Detectives from Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.  The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the attempted murder of the deputies and the lethal force encounter.  The Riverside Police Department is investigating the triple homicide and any questions regarding the homicide should be directed to them.  

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the manner and cause of death.  



Refer: Detective I. Gosswiller

Station:   Specialized Investigations Division

Phone No.  909-890-4908

Case No. DR#s 082201843/602200134  H# 2022-154




SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department