A 34-year-old San Bernardino man was shot by police Wednesday evening after officers say he waved what turned out to be a replica revolver near Orange Show Road and E Street. The man, identified by police as Michael Valva, was taken to a local hospital for treatment and later booked. Authorities say the shooting is now under review by the San Bernardino District Attorney's Office.
Officers were dispatched shortly before 5:20 p.m. after multiple 911 callers reported a man walking in the area with what appeared to be a handgun. When officers arrived, a witness pointed out Valva, according to San Bernardino police. Investigators say Valva suddenly raised the object and pointed it at an officer, which is when an officer fired their service weapon. Officers then provided lifesaving aid and requested emergency medical personnel. The object was later determined to be a replica revolver, and police say Valva has prior convictions for criminal threats and assault on police, according to CBS Los Angeles.
Officials And The Investigation
San Bernardino police will handle the criminal investigation, while the San Bernardino District Attorney's Office reviews the officer-involved shooting. In a statement, police said, “Fearing they were about to be shot, the officer discharged their service weapon. Officers immediately rendered lifesaving medical aid while requesting emergency medical personnel to respond.”
Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact Detective M. Alvarez at (909) 998-3496 or [email protected], or Sergeant E. Campos at (909) 998-3491 or [email protected], according to CBS Los Angeles.
Replica Weapons And The Wider Risk
Police trainers and public-safety experts have long warned that modern BB and pellet guns can look and feel almost indistinguishable from real firearms, which turns split-second decisions into life-or-death calls. According to CBS News, since 2014 at least 320 people have been shot and killed by police while holding replica guns, and advocates are pushing for tighter regulations on realistic non-powder weapons. Manufacturers and online marketplaces are also under scrutiny for how easily look-alike guns can be purchased and shipped across state lines.
San Bernardino's Recent History
San Bernardino has seen this kind of tragedy before. In 2020, officers recovered a replica handgun after a fatal police shooting outside a gas station that drew local scrutiny and raised questions about tactics and training. Local coverage at the time underscored how quickly these encounters can escalate and how replica weapons blur the line between perceived threat and actual danger, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The DA's review and the San Bernardino Police Department's criminal investigation into Valva's shooting are ongoing. Officials say more details will be released when they are available, and this story will be updated as investigators provide new information.
