SANTA CLARA — The parents of an unarmed man are now asking questions into the reason why Santa Clara Police Officers fired their service weapon during a domestic dispute incident where the son had become so unruly that the parents called police in fear for their safety as well as his.
According to Santa Clara Police, “On Thursday, March 9, 2017, at approximately 5:09 PM, Santa Clara Police Department responded to the 2200 block of Deborah Drive.” Arriving officers reported that a 24- year-old male subject was threatening to kill himself, had cut himself on the chest with a knife, and reportedly had access to a handgun during which he had locked and barricaded himself in a bedroom of the home.
Officers soon realized that the suspect had fled from the residence through the rear bedroom window and was walking along the rail line just beyond the home. The 24-year-old suspect responded to officers once he was located and again made threats to his life by yelling at officers to stay away or he would shoot himself.
Crisis officers soon arrived at the scene and tried to calm the man down. However, after offering medical aid for his wound, the male suspect continued to argue and fight with officers.
According to the Santa Clara Police, “A less-lethal electronic control device was deployed, but was ineffective.” The suspect continued to threaten to kill himself or officers during the mile long confrontation. It was then that the suspect began to move towards a 13-year law enforcement veteran, causing him to fear for his life and fire his service weapon.
Despite lifesaving efforts, the subject was pronounced deceased at the scene. A gun was not found near the scene. However a bloody knife was found along the path where the subject was running as he was trying to evade police after hearing his parents make a 9-1-1 call.
