78-Year-Old Killed By Authorities Shot At Tree Trimmers Before Hourslong Standoff: Sheriff

MENTONE, CA — Authorities on Saturday evening identified a 78-year-old man who was killed by law enforcement Friday after shooting at tree trimmers, barricading himself in his San Bernardino County home for hours and firing at deputies.

Deputies responded around 10:50 a.m. Friday to the home of Paul Ronald Selby in the 300 block of King Street in Mentone, authorities said.

Selby had fired multiple rounds at Southern California Edison employees and private contractors from ACE Tree Enterprises and Evergreen Traffic Control who were trimming trees in an easement on his property, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

When deputies arrived, he barricaded himself in his home and refused to exit, prompting an hourslong standoff that included armored vehicles and public announcements ordering him to come out, which he refused to comply with, authorities said.

Deputies deployed chemical munitions into the home and Selby’s wife — but not Selby — exited, according to the sheriff’s department.

“While inside the home, Selby fired his weapon at deputies and a deputy involved shooting occurred,” the department said in Saturday’s updated advisory about the incident. “Selby was struck by gunfire and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

An investigation is ongoing, according to the department.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904, according to the sheriff’s department. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text REPORT to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. Online reporting is also available at mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.