A former sheriff’s deputy from California who was suspected of fatally stabbing his 11-year-old son was shot and killed by officers on Tuesday following a vehicle pursuit on Interstate 5, authorities reported.

Elk Grove police, near Sacramento, responded around 8 a.m. after a mother called expressing fear for her children’s safety. She had seen home security footage showing the children’s father attacking their 11-year-old son, officials said.

When officers arrived, they found the boy suffering from stab wounds; he later died at a hospital. His 6-year-old sister was found unharmed.

The father had already fled and was later seen driving south on I-5, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. The chase ended near Lodi after the California Highway Patrol used a spike strip, causing the suspect’s car to crash. Officers then shot the man, who later died at a hospital.

Elk Grove police confirmed to KCRA-TV that the suspect was 40-year-old Marvin Morales, a former Sacramento County sheriff’s deputy who was terminated in February 2024 after being caught using illegal drugs, Sgt. Amar Gandhi said.

Gandhi noted that at least two deputies fired their weapons during the incident, and Elk Grove police said one of their officers also took part. No law enforcement personnel were injured.

Authorities said it is unclear whether Morales fired at officers. They also reported that a gun safe in his home was discovered empty.