FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Newly released body-camera footage shows a fatal encounter between police and a 26-year-old man who stole an officer’s gun and got into a cruiser, KABC reported.
The incident occurred on Jan. 24 after officers responded to reports of an individual attempting to enter an occupied vehicle near Kazuo Masuda Middle School. When officers arrived, they encountered a suspect who fled on foot.
According to the Fountain Valley Police Department, the suspect led officers through a gas station, a bank and a parking lot before a confrontation occurred at the intersection of San Mateo Street and El Corazon Avenue.
Bodycam video shows the man struggling with an officer while she remained seated in her patrol car. During the struggle, police say the suspect gained control of the officer’s firearm. Both eventually exited the vehicle.
In the footage, the officer can be heard pleading, “Please don’t shoot me,” as the suspect stands nearby holding the weapon over her. Moments later, another officer arrives and shoots the suspect, who had climbed into the patrol vehicle.
He died at the scene.
The incident is under investigation by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and Fountain Valley police. No other injuries were reported.
