Overnight fatal police shooting in Walnut Creek under investigation
By Tim Fang
Authorities in Contra Costa County are investigating a deadly police shooting that took place in Walnut Creek early Thursday morning.
Walnut Creek Police said the shooting took place near Alvarado and Buena Vista avenues, not far from Buena Vista Elementary School. In a statement posted around 2:40 a.m., police said the scene was secure and there was no ongoing threat to the public.
CBS News Bay Area reporter Veronica Macias said the Contra Costa County coroner was at the location around 7 a.m. had later taken a body from the scene, indicating that the shooting was fatal. A neighbor told CBS News Bay Area that they heard several gunshots after midnight, followed by sirens.
In an update posted at 10:30 a.m., police said they were called to the area around 12:10 am. after a caller reported a man wearing dark clothing was looking into homes and parked vehicles with a flashlight.
When police arrived, they found a man matching the description holding what appeared to be a firearm. Police later determined the weapon was a pellet gun that “closely resembled” a handgun.
Officers issued multiple commands for the man to drop the weapon. Police said the man did not comply and a shooting occurred.
Following the shooting, officers performed life-saving measures and medical personnel were called to the scene. The man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by paramedics.
The man has been identified as a 46-year-old Walnut Creek resident. Police did not release his name, citing the ongoing investigation.
No officers were injured. Police said the officers who were involved have been placed on administrative leave per department policy.
Along with the police investigation, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is conducting a parallel investigation in accordance with the Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Walnut Creek police at 925-943-5844 or to submit an anonymous tip at 925-943-5865.
