MANTECA, Calif. — Community Reeling After Deadly Police Shooting Outside In-N-Out; Five Officers Placed on Leave Amid Investigation
The city of Manteca is grappling with the aftermath of a fatal police shooting that unfolded Wednesday evening in the parking lot of an In-N-Out restaurant on Yosemite Avenue. The incident has left a community stunned, prompted multiple investigations, and placed five officers on administrative leave.
A Disturbance Turns Deadly
Around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, a disturbance at the popular fast-food chain escalated into a deadly confrontation. According to Manteca Police Sgt. Steven Beerman, the altercation began when In-N-Out employees refused service to a man in the drive-thru after noticing an open beer can in his vehicle. The suspect, later identified as 69-year-old Charles McGonegal II of Manteca, reportedly became agitated and aggressive, striking vehicles in the parking lot and drawing attention from restaurant staff and bystanders.
Witness Diego Usme, who was eating at a nearby restaurant at the time, said he returned to the scene Thursday to try to process the violent episode he had watched unfold in real time. Speaking in Spanish, Usme recalled:
“When I arrived, the man was in the drive-thru, and In-N-Out refused his order. He got aggressive and started hitting the cars.”
A witness quickly called police, and when the first responding officer arrived, McGonegal allegedly rammed the officer’s patrol car. More officers were soon dispatched to the scene, and authorities moved swiftly to evacuate the restaurant, which was full of patrons.
A Standoff in Public View
The situation turned into a tense 20-minute standoff, observed by more than 80 onlookers, many of whom had gathered outside the restaurant or remained in nearby businesses. Officers deployed a drone, attempted verbal negotiations, and repeatedly called on McGonegal to exit his vehicle and surrender peacefully.
Despite these efforts, authorities say McGonegal refused to cooperate. Witness video shows him suddenly backing up and ramming a police vehicle twice. It was at this point that five officers discharged their weapons, fatally shooting McGonegal.
Sgt. Beerman defended the officers’ actions, stating:
“It was his decision that chose to put the officers in this situation. They were forced to take action to prevent them from being harmed and any of the observers from being harmed.”
Emotional Impact and Public Reaction
The shooting has left many in the Manteca community shaken, especially those who witnessed it.
“I think it was a correct action by police because they took their time and waited, but he never wanted to calm down,” said Usme. “In that moment, I felt very scared. I’ve seen this in the movies, and now I’m seeing it in real life and it’s very scary.”
Others have expressed concern about the use of deadly force and are calling for transparency as the investigation proceeds.
Officers on Leave, Multiple Investigations Underway
As is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings, the five officers involved have been placed on a three-day administrative leave pending formal interviews. The case is being jointly investigated by the Manteca Police Department, the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office, the California Department of Justice, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The agencies are expected to review body camera footage, witness video, drone surveillance, and other evidence to determine whether the officers followed proper procedure and whether the use of lethal force was justified under California law.
A City Looking for Answers
As the investigations unfold, many in Manteca are searching for clarity and peace. While some, like Usme, feel the officers acted appropriately given the threat, others await more information before forming an opinion on the department’s response.
The death of Charles McGonegal II adds to a broader national conversation about law enforcement’s engagement with individuals experiencing crisis, and the circumstances under which force becomes necessary.
For now, a once-ordinary evening at a fast-food restaurant has turned into a flashpoint for reflection, grief, and a renewed call for transparency and accountability.