Sutter County DA Clears Deputy In July 4 Shooting

YUBA CITY, Calif. (CBS13) – The Sutter County District Attorney has concluded that the fatal shooting of a 72-year-old man on the 4th of July, saying the actions of the deputy on scene likely saved additional lives.

Investigators said Jagtar Singh Kang exited his home on Mesa Verde Drive around 10:00 p.m. to move his vehicle after neighbors began setting off fireworks in the area, but after pulling his car into his driveway, he backed out again and drove straight at a young man in the street.

Kang backed up and drove onto a front lawn at the man again, forcing the resident to dive out of the way to avoid being hit, according to the District Attorney. Witnesses called authorities as Kang drove away, and deputies said Kang forced another car off the road and drove through another fireworks display.

Deputy Zachary Berg, a three-year veteran of the Sheriff's Department, arrived first at the scene and was interviewing residents when Kang's vehicle rounded the block and came back to his home, swerving and accelerating toward another pedestrian on the curb.

The pedestrian jumped out of the way and took cover behind the deputy's vehicle, and Kang backed his car up until it was directed toward Deputy Berg, according to investigators and witnesses.

The deputy drew his weapon when he saw the attempted assault on the pedestrian and ordered Kang to stop, identifying himself as a deputy. Kang revved his engine and then put the car in gear, lurching toward the deputy, who was about eight feet away.

Deputy Berg immediately fired two quick shots and then stepped to the side, firing two more shots at the driver, investigators said. Kang was wounded in his left wrist and right arm, dying within minutes from blood loss.

Tests showed Kang had a blood-alcohol content of .22 percent, nearly three times the legal limit while driving.

The District Attorney said the circumstances of the shooting were justifiable and ruled that Deputy Berg acted in defense of himself and others. No charges will be filed against him.