The actions of a San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy, who wounded a surrendering suspect when he shot at a charging pit bull in July, have been found to be legally justified, officials said.

Deputy Audomero Moreno was cleared in September after the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office reviewed the shooting.

The memo detailing the incident was released Thursday.

Supervising Deputy District Attorney Joe Gaetano, who compiled the memo, said the incident was out of the ordinary because "a person who was not threatening an officer was injured."

Moreno and other members of the sheriff's Multiple Enforcement Team were at a house in the 17500 of Pine Avenue in Fontana on the afternoon of July 17 to search for possible drug sales.

A group of deputies approached the front door while Moreno and his partner walked along the east side of the house.

When they saw a man and a woman, Moreno ordered them to get on the ground.

As the couple complied, a large pit bull charged at the deputies. The dog jumped directly in front of the man, who was in the process of getting down on the ground,

Gaetano said.

"It happened very quickly," Gaetano said.

Moreno fired one shot at the dog but missed the animal and hit the man in the groin.

Deputies administered aid and the wound was cared for at a hospital.

Gaetano said Moreno had a justified reason to defend himself and the other deputies from the pit bull.

Other deputies at the scene said the dog "appeared vicious and was barking and charging rapidly."

They said they were fearful that the dog was going to attack.

The man who was wounded told officials he believed the officer's "main intentions" were to shoot the dog, according to Gaetano's report.

lori.consalvo@inlandnewspapers.com

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