BB Gun Wielding Suspect Shot By Anaheim Cops Dies

ANAHEIM, CA — An Anaheim resident who was critically wounded after an altercation last month with Anaheim Police has died, police say. Officers were wearing body cameras that were active at the time of the shooting, according to Anaheim Police Sgt. Daron Wyatt.

Petrica Peter Muntean, 24, died Friday, two weeks after he was shot by police in an incident at Harbor Boulevard and Broadway, Wyatt said.

Around 8:30 p.m. April 14, officers responded to a disturbance between a woman and her adult son in the area of Lombard Drive and Brewster Avenue, Wyatt said.

"Officers saw Muntean flee on foot then stop about 25 to 30 yards away and place a handgun under his chin," Wyatt said. "Officers took cover and ordered Muntean to stop, but he ran away and eluded officers during a perimeter search."

When officers contacted Muntean the next morning, he "exhibited similar behavior to the incident the prior evening," Wyatt said.

Officers pursued, and gave him verbal commands for the suspect to stop. They also attempted less than lethal munitions, trying to detain him. Regardless of efforts, Muntean continued to evade, ending at the 100 block of Seneca Circle, where an officer-involved shooting occurred, according to Wyatt.

"Muntean was struck by the gunfire and taken to a trauma center," Wyatt said.

The officers involved were equipped with body worn cameras and the cameras were activated at the time of the shooting, as well as when the BB gun was found, according to Wyatt.

No officers were injured in the exchange.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Renee Schiavone Photo