DATE/TIME: May 6, 2023, 9:57 a.m.
INCIDENT: Death Investigation
LOCATION: 600 block of Booth Way, Big Bear City
SUSPECT(S): John Stephan, 63-year-old Resident of Big Bear City (Deceased)
SUMMARY: On Saturday, May 6, 2023, deputies at the Big Bear Station received a call for service in the 600 block of Booth Way, reporting a man with a gun. Reporting parties said the man, later identified as John Stephan, was in the street screaming and shooting a gun.
Deputies arrived and attempted to negotiate with Stephan. After failed attempts to gain Stephan’s cooperation, Stephan shot himself in the chest. Deputies provided medical assistance to Stephan until emergency medical services arrived. He was taken to a trauma center for treatment, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Detectives with the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division are conducting the investigation. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Francisco Demara, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Refer: Detective Francisco Demara or Sergeant Nicolas Craig
Station: Specialized Investigations Division
Phone No. (909) 890-4904
Case No. DR#062300270 / H#2023-049
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
