Shooting Erupts After RivCo Deputies Respond To Mental Health Crisis, Bodycam Video Shows

MORENO VALLEY, CA — Bodycam video was released Thursday showing the moments leading up to a shooting in Moreno Valley that left a woman in critical condition after deputies responded to a mental health crisis in August, authorities said.

The shooting happened around 4:20 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 7 in the 11000 block of Villa Hermosa. Deputies from the Moreno Valley Sheriff's Station, accompanied by a clinical therapist from the department's Community Behavioral Assessment Team, responded to a call about a person experiencing a mental health episode, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

As deputies and the therapist spoke with the person who called 911, she exited a home on the street and pointed a firearm at deputies, according to the sheriff's department.

The deputies opened fire, seriously injuring the woman, authorities said.

The deputies provided emergency medical aid at the scene until paramedics arrived. The woman was transported to a local hospital in critical condition where she is continuing to recover from her injuries, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The person shot by deputies was identified as 32-year-old Esmeralda Aguilera Rangel.

No other injuries were reported.

Authorities said the investigation is active and ongoing.

Anyone with information about the incident was asked to contact Riverside County Sheriff's Department at 951-955-2777.

Patch Local Editor Toni McAllister contributed to this report.