Update on Deputy-Involved Shooting in Nipomo 

April 21, 2026 – San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office officials report additional information regarding a Deputy-involved shooting that occurred on April 19, 2026, in the 700 block of Hill Street in Nipomo.

Deputies were initially called to that location for a report of a family disturbance. It was reported that an adult male was inside the apartment, threatening to kill his mother. The apartment was also shared with the suspect’s grandmother.

Upon arrival, Deputies contacted the suspect who was in the doorway of the ground-floor apartment. The suspect then retreated inside, armed himself with a shotgun, and pointed it at the Deputies.

At that point, a Deputy-involved shooting occurred. During the Deputy-involved shooting, the suspect fired his shotgun at Deputies. The Deputies returned fire, striking the suspect.

Deputies began lifesaving measures. However, the suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Related: San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Deputy-Involved Shooting Occurred in Nipomo

No Deputies were injured during the incident.

The suspect has been identified as 48-year-old Joseph Munoz with no known address but would often stay in Nipomo. Munoz is known to law enforcement with convictions for felony domestic battery, felony DUI, felony possession of a controlled substance for sale, and felony conviction for voluntary manslaughter in which he served approximately 12 years in prison.

In accordance with department policy, the involved Deputies have been placed on paid administrative leave and are receiving support services.

The investigation remains ongoing, and there is no threat to the public.

If anyone has additional information on this incident, please contact the Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 805-781-4500.

No further information is available at this time.

Source & photos: San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office