Armed man fatally shot by sheriff's deputy in La Quinta identified

City News Service
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department investigates a shooting involving a deputy and suspect on Sept. 24, 2020, in La Quinta. The shooting was reported just before 1:30 p.m. at Washington Street and Calle Tampico.

A man who was fatally shot by a Riverside County sheriff's deputy after authorities say he pointed a rifle at two deputies at La Quinta City Hall was identified Monday as a 66-year-old resident of the city.

Randy Fedorchuk died at an area hospital following Thursday’s shooting, according to Sgt. Lionel Murphy.

Deputies were sent about 1:25 p.m. to La Quinta City Hall at 78-495 Calle Tampico to a report of a man with a gun in the courtyard, Murphy said. 

The deputies saw a man with a rifle, which he pointed at the deputies, according to Murphy. A deputy then opened fire, shooting an undisclosed amount of bullets, wounding the suspect.

The rifle was recovered at the scene, Murphy said.

No deputies were injured. Both deputies have been placed on administrative leave in accordance with department policy. Their names were not released.

City staff:La Quinta city staff back at work after fatal deputy-involved shooting

Investigation:Riverside County DA investigating shooting in La Quinta

Fedorchuk does not have any documented felony convictions in Riverside County. 

Investigators with the sheriff's department and Riverside County District Attorney's Office are continuing to investigate the shooting, according to the sheriff's department.

City Manager Jon McMillen previously told The Desert Sun that he had been informed by authorities that City Hall and staff were not the focus or target, and that it was an isolated incident.

“Staff is here, and all seem to be in good spirits and the work here continues,” McMillen said.

City staff were back at work on Friday and a person was at City Hall to offer counseling services as needed, McMillen said.

The fatal shooting was the third involving a Riverside County sheriff's deputy in the Coachella Valley since June.

Jeffery Monroy, 33, of Cathedral City was fatally wounded Aug. 7 after authorities say he attacked a deputy with a screwdriver in the 70000 block of Tamarisk Lane in Rancho Mirage.

Deputies fatally shot Aaron Solorio Granados, 33, on June 22 outside C.V. Guns & Tackle at 41-945 Boardwalk, Suite R, in Palm Desert, after he pointed a gun at them, according to the sheriff's department.

This article includes previous reporting from staff reporters Colin Atagi, Sherry Barkas and Rebecca Plevin.