SAN DIEGO–An armed 39 year-old black male involved in an confrontation with San Diego police officers in the Gaslamp District has died after he was shot by officers.
Two San Diego police officers were conducting traffic enforcement Tuesday afternoon in the downtown Gaslamp area when they saw the male running into traffic and causing a disturbance at 500 ‘F’ Street.
As the police officers attempted to contact the male, he began to run eastbound and crossed into the middle of the street. The officers followed the suspect on their motorcycles. The suspect suddenly turned around and pulled a large caliber handgun from a backpack he was carrying and pointed it at one of the officers. The suspect was given several verbal commands to drop the weapon, but he refused to comply. Fearing for their safety and the safety of the public, the two officers opened fire on the male. While on the ground, the man again raised his weapon and pointed it at the officers. He was again ordered several times to drop his gun, but he did not comply. Both officers fired their weapons again, striking him in the upper body.
The man was transported to UCSD Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead. His weapon was recovered at the scene.
A preliminary investigation revealed the man was wanted out of Virginia for an outstanding armed robbery warrant and was considered armed and dangerous. His identity is known, but will not be released pending family notifications.
The two officers involved in this incident have been with the San Diego Police Department for 30 years and 25 years respectively.
