The Orange County District Attorney released a report today clearing Orange County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Darren Sandberg of any wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of Marine Sergeant Manuel Loggins Jr. on February 7 in San Clemente.
After conducting a thorough and independent investigation of the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident and interviewing more than 12 witnesses, District Attorney Tony Rackauckas’ office found that the shooting was legally justified because there was a reasonable belief by Deputy Sandberg that Loggins was about to cause great harm to his daughters, ages 9 and 14, who were in the SUV with him.
The DA also said that Deputy Sandberg “used no more force than a reasonable person would believe was necessary to defend the girls against the threat to their safety.”
“Consequently, although this incident ended tragically, and in hindsight may have been preventable, we find there is insufficient evidence to prove that Deputy Sandberg’s conduct violated criminal law,” the report said. The DA closed its investigation.
