VISTA–The Sheriff’s deputy involved in last week’s shooting of a documented gang member in Vista has been identified.
Deputy Christopher Villanueva is assigned to the Vista Station and has been employed as a deputy sheriff with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department for one year. Deputy Villanueva had previously been employed as police officer with the Escondido Police Department before he was hired by the San Diego Sheriff’s Department.
Detectives with the Sheriff’s Homicide Detail are continuing their investigation but details regarding the interaction between Deputy Villanueva and 24-year-old documented gang member Jonathon Coronel are emerging based on individual statements and physical evidence collected.
Prior to making contact with Coronel, Villanueva knew that Coronel was often armed with a handgun and had made threats to kill law enforcement officers, according to the Sheriff’s department.
The Sheriff’s department said Deputy Villanueva came into contact with Coronel who was in a crouched positon with his right hand covered by a t-shirt. Coronel turned to face Deputy Villanueva, simultaneously raising his concealed hand towards Deputy Villanueva. Fearing for his safety Deputy Villanueva fired his department issued firearm.
Once the investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for evaluation.
