Hesperia man fatally shot by deputies in Victorville identified

Authorities have released the identity of a Hesperia man who was shot by sheriff's deputies after he allegedly confronted them with a knife in Victorville on Thursday.

Nicholas Robert Contreras, 32, died following the shooting, which took place about 10 a.m. in front of a gas station along Mariposa Road, just south of Nisqualli Road, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Deputies and firefighters responded to multiple calls that a pedestrian had been struck by a car, the agency said in a written statement.

"Callers reported the pedestrian, later identified as Nicholas Contreras, was hit by a second vehicle as he continued to walk around after the first collision," the statement said.

Arriving deputies approached Contreras and saw he was carrying a knife, officials said. They gave repeated commands for him to drop the blade.

"Contreras refused to obey the commands, advanced toward the deputies, and a lethal force encounter occurred," according to the statement. "Contreras was struck by gunfire and despite lifesaving measures, he was pronounced deceased at the scene."

More: Deputies fatally shoot man in Victorville

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Sheriff's Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Man fatally shot by deputies in Victorville identified