Off-duty Colton Police officer from Apple Valley dead after accidental shooting in the High Desert

An off-duty Colton Police officer from Apple Valley died after an accidental shooting in the High Desert on Thursday afternoon.

Colton Police Department officials identified the deceased as Officer Lorenzo Morgan, 29, who, earlier this year, completed his field training with the agency.

According to San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Gloria Huerta, Morgan was at National Trails Highway and Mill Street in Oro Grande when the shooting was reported at 2:46 p.m.

Morgan told told sheriff's dispatch that he was on the side of the road in his vehicle and had accidentally shot himself, Huerta said.

When deputies and medical personnel arrived on scene, they located Morgan inside his vehicle with a gunshot wound to his lower extremity. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died of his injuries, Huerta said.

No foul play is suspected in the shooting and it's believed the incident was a tragic accident, according to Huerta.

An American flag draped over the body of Officer Morgan before a procession escorted him from Victor Valley Global Medical Center in Victorville to the Sheriff’s Coroner facility in San Bernardino.

After the procession, the fallen officer was met by loved ones, police officers, the public, and firefighters, who used extended fire engine ladders to display a large American flag.

“Officer L. Morgan was a beloved father, friend, colleague, and a caring officer who loved working for the Colton Community,” the CPD posted to Twitter. “He is survived by his parents, fiancé, son, and soon-to-be-born son.”

Morgan began his career in law enforcement at the SBC Sheriff’s Academy in April 2019. He graduated in September of that year from Class 215. He completed his field training at the CPD in May 2022.

Morgan received his bachelor of science degree in informational technology from the University of Phoenix. Before working for the City of Colton, Lorenzo worked as a behavioral aid helping disabled children,” said CPD Chief Henry Dominguez in July.

This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Colton Police officer dead after accidental shooting in the High Desert