LANCASTER, CA — A tense encounter turned fatal on Saturday afternoon, June 20, 2026 when a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputy shot and killed a knife-wielding suspect who stabbed him during a confrontation.

The incident unfolded at approximately 2:00 p.m. near the intersection of Lancaster Boulevard and Sierra Highway. Deputies initially responded to emergency calls reporting an assault with a deadly weapon involving an individual armed with a knife near the Lancaster Metrolink station.

Upon locating the suspect at the transit center, a deputy attempted to contact the individual. The situation escalated rapidly when the suspect allegedly assaulted and stabbed the responding deputy. In response to the physical attack, the wounded deputy fired his service weapon, striking the suspect.

Emergency medical personnel rushed both the deputy and the suspect to a nearby hospital. Despite life-saving efforts by trauma staff, the suspect succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The deputy sustained non-life-threatening injuries from the stabbing and is currently expected to survive. No other injuries to commuters or bystanders were reported.

The identities of both the deputy and the deceased suspect have not yet been publicly released by authorities as the investigation continues. Following the confrontation, LASD Homicide Bureau detectives were dispatched to the transit hub to process the scene and interview witnesses.

In a statement addressing the violent encounter, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna commended the deputy’s resilience while emphasizing the inherent dangers law enforcement officers face: "We are grateful that our deputy sustained non-life-threatening injuries and will be returning home to their loved ones. Incidents like this are a stark reminder that every day, law enforcement professionals like our Deputies step into unpredictable and rapidly evolving situations in service to protecting our communities."

Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding the encounter to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau.