Charles Craig McGonegal II Dies Following Violent Confrontation With Police in Manteca, California
MANTECA, CA — A man who violently rammed his van into multiple police vehicles during a tense confrontation with law enforcement has died from his injuries. Authorities have identified the suspect as Charles Craig McGonegal II, a 68-year-old man with a long and troubling criminal history that spans over five decades and multiple states.
The incident, which is now the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Manteca Police Department and affiliated protocol team partners, unfolded when McGonegal reportedly drove at officers and rammed into three separate patrol vehicles. Officers, facing a dangerous and rapidly escalating threat, were ultimately forced to use deadly force to bring the situation under control.
McGonegal, whose date of birth was listed as November 13, 1955, was transported to a nearby hospital following the confrontation, but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. There were no other individuals inside the van, and no bystanders were harmed during the incident. The case is now being formally reviewed under Manteca Police Case Number 25-01846.
Law enforcement officials say they are working diligently to reconstruct the series of events that led up to the confrontation and understand the motives behind McGonegal’s violent actions. According to initial reports, the suspect’s behavior was aggressive and unprovoked, prompting officers to act decisively to protect themselves and others nearby.
The Manteca Police Department, in coordination with the district attorney’s office and an independent protocol investigation team, is reviewing all available evidence, including dashcam and bodycam footage, forensic data, and witness statements. The goal is to determine why McGonegal chose to engage in such extreme and dangerous conduct.
Authorities noted that while McGonegal had an address listed in Lathrop, California, his current living situation remains unclear, with officials saying it is still being investigated. He appeared to have been transient or at least unstably housed in recent months.
What is clear, however, is that McGonegal was no stranger to the criminal justice system. Law enforcement sources confirm that his criminal history dates back to 1972, with offenses recorded in multiple states. While specifics of his prior convictions have not been released in full, officials describe the record as “lengthy and complex,” involving a mix of property crimes, drug-related offenses, and other interactions with law enforcement across jurisdictions.
His past run-ins with the law are now part of a broader inquiry into whether prior encounters with the justice system could offer context for his final, fatal actions. Investigators are also expected to conduct toxicology tests and mental health assessments to determine whether substance use or psychological conditions played a role.
As the community processes the news, the Manteca Police Department has emphasized that the use of deadly force is never taken lightly and is always subject to rigorous review. In a statement released to the public, the department said:
“This incident is tragic and underscores the dangers that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this event, and we are committed to full transparency and accountability as the investigation unfolds.”
Local residents have expressed both concern and curiosity over the event, particularly due to the violent nature of McGonegal’s actions and his sudden emergence in what is typically a quiet area of Manteca.
As of now, there is no evidence that anyone else was involved in the incident, and authorities have ruled out the presence of accomplices. The ongoing investigation will seek to clarify McGonegal’s state of mind, his movements leading up to the confrontation, and any signs of premeditated behavior.
A public report from the protocol investigation team is expected to be released once all findings are reviewed and compiled. In the meantime, the Manteca Police Department encourages anyone with information related to Case No. 25-01846 to come forward.