MANTECA, Calif. — The city of Manteca is mourning the loss of Charles McGonegal II, 69, who died following a confrontation with police officers at an In-N-Out Burger parking lot on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
According to the San Joaquin County Medical Examiner’s Office, McGonegal, a longtime Manteca resident, was transported to a local hospital after sustaining injuries during the incident and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
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The situation began just after 5 p.m. when officers responded to a disturbance involving McGonegal inside a van in the restaurant’s drive-thru lane. Police report that during the encounter, McGonegal allegedly rammed one patrol car and then two additional vehicles despite officers’ attempts to de-escalate the situation over roughly 20 minutes. Law enforcement officers discharged their weapons, critically injuring McGonegal. No officers were reported injured.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether McGonegal was armed or experiencing a mental health crisis. An official investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and police have not released bodycam footage or additional details at this time.
News of McGonegal’s death has deeply affected the Manteca community. Many residents remember him as a man with a complex past, including service as a veteran, struggles with mental health, and periods of homelessness, but also as someone with a good heart. Friends and neighbors are calling for a transparent investigation while expressing sorrow over the tragic outcome.
“It’s just heartbreaking. We don’t know what he was going through in that moment, and we don’t know what really happened. We need answers, but more than anything, we need compassion — for him, for his family, and for the community,” one resident said.
A memorial for Charles McGonegal II is expected to be organized in the coming days. Authorities are urging anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to come forward to assist with the investigation.