Kings County deputies forced to shoot and kill machete-wielding suspect in early morning incident

It was on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at about 7:45 a.m. that deputies arrived on the scene – 11998 1st Place – in response to a report of a male subject (Dominque Antwon Anderson) suspected of attacking his brother with a machete.

The attacker’s brother, Jamal Anderson, told the Kings County Sheriff’s Office dispatch officer that his brother attacked him with a machete and was attempting to attack him with a hatchet. Jamal Anderson also warned dispatch that his brother threatened to kill deputies when they arrived.

Upon arrival, deputies located Jamal and Dominque Anderson. Jamal Anderson took refuge behind a sheriff’s patrol vehicle as deputies confronted the suspect, Dominque Anderson, armed with a knife and approaching the deputies. Anderson refused a deputy’s commands to drop the knife and continued to advance. A deputy was forced to fire at Anderson.

Dominque Anderson, after having been shot, fell to the ground. He immediately stood up, armed himself with a machete, and charged the deputies. The officers fired several times, stopping his attack.

Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene to treat his injuries, but Anderson died at the scene.

Deputies found two additional victims at the scene – Eric Hawthorne and Jennifer Angelucci – both of whom sustained lacerations and stab wounds. Based on the victims’ statements, detectives believe the incident began when Dominique Anderson struck Hawthorne and Angelucci with a machete as they slept in a vehicle, accusing the two of taking his narcotics and headphones.  

Dominque Anderson then visited his brother Jamal’s RV parked just a short distance away. He forced the door open, and wielding the machete, attacked his brother. Jamal managed to take away the machete, but Dominque stabbed him several times with a folding knife.

Jamal was able to call 911 for help after he was attacked.

Jamal Anderson, Eric Hawthorne, and Jennifer Angelucci were transported to Kaweah Delta Hospital in Visalia for the treatment of their injuries. All are listed in stable condition at this time.