Officer Fatally Shoots Suspect Who Robbed KFC Restaurant

NEWARK, CA: An armed robbery suspect died after being shot at by a police officer in Newark Friday night. At 9:52 p.m., officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at a KFC restaurant, located at 5724 Thornton Ave., according to police. A female employee had called 911 and said that a man armed with a handgun was inside the restaurant and forcing another employee to open the register.

Officers were able to arrive quickly and inside, they saw a female employee with her hands in the air, police said. An officer observed the suspect exiting the restaurant through a rear kitchen door. The officer yelled for the suspect to stop.

The suspect then turned toward the officer and pointed a black semi-automatic handgun at the officer. The officer fired one round, striking the suspect, according to police. The suspect ran south on St. Edwards Street, dropping stolen property as well as the handgun.

After a short distance, the suspect then collapsed, police said. Emergency personnel provided first aid to the suspect, however, he was pronounced dead, according to police. Police are continuing to investigate the shooting with assistance from the Alameda County Sheriff's Department.

The officer who fatally shot the suspect has been a Newark police officer for more than three years. He has been placed on administrative leave, police said. The Alameda County District Attorney's Office has been notified of the shooting and is conducting an independent investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Newark Police Department at (510) 578-4962. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call (510) 578-4965.

By Bay City News

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