The Associated Press
FONTANA, Calif. (AP) -- The county sheriff’s department will investigate an officer involved shooting in which a 22-year-old man was killed while struggling over an officer’s flashlight.
Randy Perchez, 22, of Fontana, was shot about 7:30 p.m. Saturday as a Fontana police officer tried to handcuff him, officials said. The officer had Perchez on the ground at the time of the shooting, according to the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Department.
Fontana and patrol gang officers had approached a group of suspected gang members when they noticed two men running out the back door of a nearby house, police said in a statement. Officers found a loaded gun and tried to stop two men who they believed were the men they saw running from the home, police said.
A struggle ensued between an officer and Perchez over the officer’s flashlight and Perchez was shot.
Officers called for medical aid and paramedics at 8:03 p.m. pronounced Perchez dead.
The second man was taken into custody without incident.
The officer, whose name was being withheld by authorities, said he shot Perchez because he feared for his safety.
An autopsy on Perchez will be conducted over the next few days to determine the exact cause of death.