Fatal Standoff in Mentone: 78-Year-Old Man Killed by Deputies After Shooting at Utility Crew
Paul Ronald Selby, 78, was shot and killed by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies on August 14, 2026, after allegedly firing at utility workers near his home in Mentone. The incident began when Selby opened fire on a tree-trimming crew from Southern California Edison and its contractors. He barricaded himself inside his residence, refusing to surrender despite negotiations. Deputies eventually exchanged gunfire with him, resulting in his death. No other individuals were injured.
Key points
- Selby was identified as the suspect who fired multiple rounds at employees of Southern California Edison, ACE Tree Enterprises, and Evergreen Traffic Control.
- The shooting occurred on the 300 block of King Street in Mentone, San Bernardino County, starting around 10:50 a.m. on August 14, 2026.
- Deputies arrived to find Selby barricaded inside his home; crisis negotiators attempted to persuade him to surrender without success.
- A deputy-involved shooting occurred shortly after 2:00 p.m. when Selby fired at law enforcement; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Selby’s wife exited the home safely before the final exchange of gunfire; no other civilians or deputies were injured.
Background
This incident follows recent scrutiny of Southern California Edison’s operations, including a 2025 report linking an idle Edison transmission tower to the deadly Eaton Fire. While that case involved equipment failure, this event involves a direct armed confrontation with utility workers performing vegetation management.
How outlets are covering it
KTLA and the San Bernardino Sun provided detailed accounts of the standoff, confirming Selby’s identity and the sequence of events, including the use of armored vehicles and chemical munitions by deputies. The Los Angeles Times reported the incident as a 'bizarre and violent series of events' but initially withheld the suspect's name, focusing on the utility workers' safety. All sources agree that the motive remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division, with no evidence of broader criminal intent beyond the immediate confrontation.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the risks faced by utility workers in the Inland Empire and the escalation of domestic disputes into lethal confrontations with law enforcement. It also underscores the ongoing public scrutiny of Southern California Edison’s presence and operations in the region, following recent high-profile incidents involving the utility company.
What to watch
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department will continue its investigation into the motive behind Selby’s actions. No further charges can be filed due to his death, but the department may release additional details regarding the standoff and the use of force. Southern California Edison is expected to review its safety protocols for vegetation management crews in response to the incident.
- Authorities identify man shot, killed by deputies after armed attack on Southern California Edison employees KTLA
- Deputies shoot and kill armed suspect who allegedly fired at SoCal Edison crew in San Bernardino County ABC7 Los Angeles
- Man shot and killed by deputies after firing at Edison employees, authorities say Los Angeles Times
- Man killed by deputies in Mentone after he allegedly fired at Edison workers San Bernardino Sun
- Mentone man killed after he allegedly shooting at SoCal Edison employees Yahoo
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