Man killed in deputy-involved shooting in Nipomo
Authorities say suspect fired shotgun at deputies before being shot
– A deputy-involved shooting left a man dead on Sunday at approximately 6:30 p.m. in the 700 block of Hill Street in Nipomo, according to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to a report of a family disturbance at an apartment, where an adult male was reported to be inside, threatening to kill his mother. The apartment was also shared with the suspect’s grandmother.
When deputies arrived, they contacted the suspect, who stood in the doorway of a ground-floor apartment. The suspect then retreated inside, armed himself with a shotgun, and pointed it at deputies.
A deputy-involved shooting followed. During the exchange, the suspect fired his shotgun at deputies, and deputies returned fire, striking the suspect.
Deputies began lifesaving measures, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. No deputies were injured.
Authorities identified the suspect as Joseph Munoz, 48, who had no known address but often stayed in Nipomo. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Munoz had prior convictions for felony domestic battery, felony driving under the influence, felony possession of a controlled substance for sale, and voluntary manslaughter, for which he served approximately 12 years in prison.
In accordance with department policy, the deputies involved have been placed on paid administrative leave and are receiving support services.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials said there is no threat to the public.
Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at (805) 781-4500. No further information was available.
