Domestic violence suspect shot and killed in altercation with San Bernardino County deputies

NEEDLES, Calif. - A domestic violence suspect was shot and killed during a dispute with sheriff's deputies in Needles, near the Arizona border, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. 

Deputies say they pulled over a vehicle on L Street in Needles Satuday afternoon, shortly after 3 p.m. Two people were in the car. According to officials, the passenger in the car was discovered to be protected under a court-ordered domestic violence restraining order against the driver, 27-year-old Nikolas McPheter of Canyon Lake.

Deputies attempted to detain McPheter, but SBCSD deputies say McPheter resisted, resulting in a struggle. During the struggle, officials say McPheter was able to gain control of a deputy's gun. McPheter was "struck by gunfire" during a "lethal force encounter" according to the department, but officials offered no other information about how McPheter was shot.

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McPheter was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The Sheriff's Homicide division is still investigating the shooting. No other information was immediately available.