San Luis Obispo police fatally shoot man holding replica firearm
Officer involved has been placed on administrative leave
–Officers with the San Luis Obispo Police Department shot and killed a man Saturday afternoon after responding to reports of an individual waving a firearm in a residential neighborhood, according to a Facebook post by the department.
Police said the incident occurred Feb. 28 at about 4:46 p.m. near the intersection of Poinsettia Street and Bluebell Way.
Officers responded after receiving several 911 calls reporting a man in the 900 block of El Capitan Way who was shouting aggressively and waving a firearm. Responding officers located the man near the intersection of Poinsettia Street and Bluebell Way, where they say he was yelling and holding what appeared to be a handgun.
An officer confronting the threat discharged a weapon, striking the man one time. Despite life-saving efforts, the man was declared dead at the scene. Authorities said his identity will be released pending notification of next of kin. No officers or community members were injured during the incident.
The initial investigation determined the firearm was a replica. Under state law and department policy, incidents involving simulated firearms are investigated by the California Department of Justice. The department said it will cooperate fully with the investigation, and body-worn camera footage will be released in accordance with Assembly Bill 748.
The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave, consistent with department policy.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
