Tulare County Sheriff’s Deputies fatally shot a suspect late Wednesday night following a high-speed pursuit and armed confrontation in Pixley, they said in a statement.

Around 10:45 p.m. on Wednesday, deputies spotted a black Ford Mustang traveling more than 100 mph without its lights on near the intersection of Avenue 80 and Road 120.

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After a brief pursuit, the vehicle stopped in the driveway of a nearby home.

Deputies removed three of the four without incident after catching them with alcohol and open containers in the vehicle.

The suspects were identified as Kameron Compton, 18, Alexander Fernandez, 21, and Christian Ochoa, 18, all of Pixley.

The fourth occupant, Gustavo Benitez, 28, of Pixley, refused to comply with deputies’ commands.

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Authorities said Benitez, seated in the rear of the vehicle, pulled out a firearm and fired at deputies.

Two deputies returned fire, striking Benitez. He was treated for his injuries at the scene and transported to a local hospital, where he died.

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Two firearms were recovered from the vehicle, and investigators confirmed evidence of a shot fired by Benitez.

Compton and Fernandez were booked on charges of conspiracy, assault with a firearm, and being felons in possession of a firearm. Ochoa was charged with conspiracy and assault with a firearm.

The deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave per standard procedure.

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