Vallejo Police Identify Man Shot, Killed By Officer

VALLEJO, CA — A man shot and killed by a Vallejo police officer Tuesday night during what was described by a lieutenant as a "violent physical struggle" has been identified as Ronell Foster, 33, of Vallejo. The shooting happened after the officer, at 7:40 p.m., tried to stop Foster in the area of Marin and Florida streets for an investigative reason, according to Vallejo police Lt. Kenny Park.

But Foster allegedly ran off and as the officer gave chase, a "violent physical struggle between the officer and the subject" occurred, the lieutenant said.

"During the altercation, the officer discharged his duty firearm in self-defense striking the subject," Park said.

In an updated news release Wednesday afternoon, Park said it has since been determined that the officer first used his Taser on Foster but it was ineffective.

"[Foster] managed to forcibly take away a metal flashlight from the officer and armed himself with it, presenting it in a threatening manner," Park said. "The officer, fearing imminent and serious physical harm, discharged his duty firearm, striking [Foster]."

According to the lieutenant, paramedics were immediately dispatched to the scene of the officer-involved shooting but their efforts to revive Foster were not successful.

Foster was pronounced dead at the scene, Park said.

The involved officer, whose identity was not disclosed, has been placed on administrative leave, Park said, as the circumstances surrounding the shooting are investigated.

"The Solano County Fatal Incident Protocol was activated and the shooting is being investigated jointly by the Solano County District Attorney's Office and the Vallejo Police Department," he said.

Patch file photo by Maggie Avants