Foot Pursuit Ends in Lethal Force Encounter after Deputies Respond to a Man in the Roadway, Apple Valley
DATE: January 2, 2026 / 10:29 p.m.
INCIDENT: Lethal Force Encounter
LOCATION: 17900 Block of Highway 18, Apple Valley
SUSPECT(S): Anthony Thomas Bray, 38-years-old, Resident of Apple Valley
VICTIM(S): Two Sheriff’s Deputies
SUMMARY: On Thursday, January 1, 2026, at about 10:29 p.m., deputies from Apple Valley responded to the location for a report of a male subject acting erratic and creating a hazard in the roadway. Deputies arrived, conducted an area check and located the subject, Anthony Thomas Bray, in the roadway. When deputies attempted to contact Bray, he fled on foot through the center of the intersection and crossed the highway. Deputies pursued Bray into an alley where they attempted to take him into custody. Bray resisted arrest and presented an edged weapon. A lethal force encounter occurred, and Bray was struck by gunfire. Bray was transported to a local hospital and later transferred to Loma Linda University Medical Center where he remains.
The Specialized Investigations Division responded and assumed the investigation.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact investigators at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.
Refer: Detective R. Castillo or Sergeant N. Clark
Station: Specialized Investigations Division
Phone No. 909-890-4904
Case No. DR# 182600009 H#2026-001
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department