In a tragic early morning incident on Sunday, May 25, 2025, Fontana police officers fatally shot 31-year-old Kevin Reyes Portillo in an apartment complex in the 9100 block of Date Street, following a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance.
The confrontation, which unfolded just after 1 a.m., has sparked an investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and an internal review by the Fontana Police Department, raising questions about the use of lethal force and the circumstances leading to the shooting.
Incident Details
According to Fontana Police Department spokesperson Officer Steve Reed, officers were dispatched to the apartment complex after receiving a 911 call reporting a domestic violence situation.
Upon arrival, officers approached the apartment in question.
As the door was opened, authorities claim that Portillo pointed a firearm directly at them, prompting at least one officer to open fire.
Portillo was struck by gunfire and, despite receiving immediate medical attention at the scene, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
A firearm was reportedly recovered at the scene, though specific details about the weapon or the number of shots fired have not been disclosed.
No officers or other civilians were injured during the incident.
The exact nature of the domestic disturbance call, including the identity of the caller and the relationship between Portillo and any other individuals involved, remains under investigation, with authorities withholding further details pending the ongoing inquiry.
Investigations Underway
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has taken the lead in investigating the officer-involved shooting, as is standard protocol for such incidents in the region.
This independent investigation aims to determine the sequence of events, the justification for the use of lethal force, and whether proper procedures were followed by the responding officers.
Concurrently, the Fontana Police Department is conducting an internal administrative review to assess compliance with department policies and training protocols.
Officer Reed noted that the department is cooperating fully with the Sheriff’s Department but could not provide specifics on the number of officers involved, the number of shots fired, or additional details about Portillo’s actions prior to the shooting.
“We are committed to transparency, but we must respect the investigative process to ensure a thorough and fair examination of the facts,” Reed stated.
Community and Context
The shooting has reignited discussions about police use of force in Fontana, a city that has faced scrutiny in recent years over similar incidents.
In 2023, the Fontana Police Department came under investigation by the California Department of Justice following the fatal shooting of Jaime Valdez, raising concerns about departmental practices.
The latest incident involving Portillo adds to a series of high-profile officer-involved shootings in the area, including a 2023 case where an off-duty Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was killed by Fontana police after allegedly pointing a gun at officers during a mental health crisis.
Residents of the Date Street apartment complex expressed shock and unease following the incident.
“This is a quiet area, and to hear about something like this happening right here is unsettling,” said Maria Gonzalez, a longtime resident.
“We need to know more about what happened and why it escalated so quickly.”
Others in the community have called for the release of body-worn camera footage to provide clarity on the officers’ actions and Portillo’s behavior during the encounter.
Broader Implications
The incident underscores ongoing national debates about police response to domestic violence calls, which are among the most volatile and unpredictable situations officers face.
Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates that domestic disturbance calls account for a significant portion of police interactions, with a 2019 report noting that approximately 1 in 10 calls for service involve domestic violence.
These encounters often involve heightened emotions, weapons, and complex interpersonal dynamics, increasing the risk of escalation.
Critics of police practices argue that de-escalation techniques and non-lethal interventions could prevent fatal outcomes in such scenarios.
Advocacy groups have pointed to alternative response models, such as deploying mental health professionals alongside officers, as potential solutions to reduce the reliance on lethal force.
However, law enforcement officials often emphasize the split-second decisions officers must make when confronted with a perceived threat, such as an individual brandishing a firearm.
Official Statements
The Fontana Police Department has extended condolences to Portillo’s family and reiterated its commitment to a thorough investigation.
“This is a tragic outcome, and we understand the impact this has on the community,” Officer Reed said.
“We are working to ensure all facts are brought to light.”
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