SAN BERNARDINO – San Bernardino Police shot and killed a combative suspect last week after receiving reports of a disturbance at a motel.
Carl Blossomgame, 48, of Hesperia, attracted attention early Friday morning when he made verbal threats and attempted to force entry into a room at the Economy Inn on the 600 block of West 6th St. Police were called at 1:55 a.m., the first officer arriving attempting to contact Blossomgame after receiving a description of the suspect from a 911 call.
On Monday, police said Blossomgame, a black male, had been uncooperative and resistant to the officer’s verbal commands.When the suspect began fighting the officer, said Sgt. Gary Robertson, “he eventually took off running through the parking lot after being struck with a taser by the officer.” Other officers responded to assist, re-contacting the suspect on 6th St. The goal was to arrest him, said Robertson.
Blossomgame, according to reports, resisted the officers again and confronted them physically. During the physical altercation, said Robertson, “the suspect continued to resist.” Blossomgame attempted to gain control of one of the officers’ guns. Robertson said, “The officer was able to retain the weapon.” But the suspect continued struggling with the officers, eventually gaining physical control of a taser.
Robertson said, “The suspect’s actions led officers to believe that their lives were in danger, which resulted in the officers using lethal force to stop the suspect’s aggressions.” Blossomgame was struck by gunfire and died at the scene, said Robertson. It was not known if the man was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Two officers received minor injuries during the struggle, but did not require medical treatment. The area near the Economy Motel was around the corner from several businesses and a public school.
Read More:
Press Enterprise: Officers shoot, kill break-in suspect
SB SUN: San Bernardino police fatally shoot suspect
