Hammer-Wielding Suspect Fired On By Orange County Sheriff's Officer

TUSTIN, CA — A man who displayed a large hammer at approaching officers was fired upon by Orange County Sheriff's Department officers on Monday, according to Sheriff's reports.

On Monday morning, reports of a man in the bushes with a backpack drew officers to the 12000 block of Vista Panorama, OCSD said.

According to Orange County Sheriff's Department Lt. Mark Stichter, a deputy fired on -- but did not hit -- the man who pulled out a large hammer as the deputy approached.

"Officers reported to the area about 6 a.m.," Stichter said. "The unidentified suspect displayed a large hammer as the deputy approached him, prompting the lawman to fire two rounds -- neither of which struck the suspect. The man quickly surrendered."

The suspect, identified by Orange County Sheriff's Department as Donald Deangelis, is a 52-year-old man. He was booked on a parole hold and possession of a deadly weapon, Stichter said.

Photo, OCSD