Richmond police fatally shoot armed man while serving search warrant
RICHMOND, Calif. - An alleged armed man was shot and killed by Richmond police Wednesday morning when officers were serving a search warrant.
The shooting took place about 9 a.m. at a home in the 1200 block of Sanderling Island in Point Richmond.
"It sounded like rapid succession four or five shots," said Richmond resident Andrew Butt. "It’s highly unusual for this area."
Officers from the Richmond Police Department's Detective Division were serving the search warrant at the home when they encountered an armed man inside who was threatening them, police officials said.
"In fear for their lives, officers were forced to return fire," said Sgt. Donald Patchin. "It’s always unfortunate when somebody loses their life."
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been released.
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"I don’t understand why anything can be that desperate that you’d pull a weapon out," said neighbor Fred Hoy. "Once they identify they’re police – back down."
None of the officers involved were injured during the incident.
Patchin said the search warrant was related to an incident on Sunday involving the suspect. He’s accused of brandishing a firearm and possibly firing it at a different location in the city.
That investigation ultimately led officers to the home where the fatal shooting occurred.
"At this point, there’s no threat to the community, the scene’s been contained," said Patchin. "There’s nobody outstanding, so the residents in this neighborhood don’t have anything to be in fear of at this time."
In accordance with the protocol in Contra Costa County regarding fatal police shootings, the district attorney's office will conduct a joint investigation with the police department's homicide unit.
Additionally, the officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave.
Brooks Jarosz is an investigative reporter for KTVU. Email him at brooks.jarosz@fox.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter @BrooksKTVU
