Anthony Daniel Vargas

Deadly force

Deputies suspected Anthony Vargas of stealing another man's watch at gunpoint moments before they encountered Vargas in an East LA housing complex. Vargas attempted to flee but was tackled by the deputies. He then physically overpowered both deputies despite one of the deputies punching him in the head six times. Both deputies testified that Vargas reached to his waistband for what they believed was a handgun. A handgun was found, but Vargas's prints weren't on it. But DNA and gunshot residue tests indicated Vargas may have used the gun, and the deputy involved shooting was ruled justified.