Gary Kendrick, a 56-year-old environmental health specialist from Encinitas, California, tragically lost his life on March 27, 2015. Kendrick, who had worked for San Diego County for two decades, was shot and killed by a sheriff's deputy during a confrontation outside his condominium. The incident began when deputies responded to a 911 hang-up call from Kendrick's residence. Upon arrival, they found Kendrick sitting in a grassy area near his home, holding a shotgun and pointing it at himself.
Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, Kendrick reportedly told the deputies to shoot him and then began to point the gun towards one of them. Fearing for their safety, Deputy Steven Block fired his department-issued rifle, striking Kendrick. Even after being hit, Kendrick attempted to raise his weapon again, prompting the deputy to fire additional shots, ultimately resulting in Kendrick's death.
The investigation into the shooting revealed that deputies had visited Kendrick's home earlier in the week and were aware that he possessed firearms. Neighbors reported that Kendrick had been experiencing marital problems, which may have contributed to his distressed state. The incident was classified as a deputy-involved shooting, and Deputy Block was placed on a minimum of three days paid leave, as is standard procedure following such events. The Sheriff's Department conducted an internal investigation, and the details of the case were reviewed to ensure that the use of force was justified under the circumstances.
There were no arrests or charges filed against Deputy Block, as the investigation concluded that he acted in self-defense and in accordance with department protocols. The tragic death of Gary Kendrick highlighted the challenges law enforcement officers face when dealing with individuals in crisis and underscored the importance of mental health support and intervention. The community of Encinitas mourned the loss of Kendrick, remembering him as a dedicated county worker and a passionate volunteer for environmental causes.
