East Bay Musician Was Suffering Mental Health Crisis When Deputies Killed Him: Report

SAN LEANDRO, CA — A beloved East Bay musician was experiencing a mental health episode when he was shot and killed by deputies in unincorporated San Leandro early Monday morning, according to a report from the Mercury News.

Anthony Anderson, 40, called 911 around 3:19 a.m., asking to speak with police because he had a gun and wanted to go on a "killing rampage," according to a press release from the Alameda County Sheriff's Office.

Officers arrived at Anderson's house in the 16000 block of Selborne Drive and established a perimeter around the area. The 40-year-old at some point exited the home and pointed an object that resembled a gun at the deputies, according to authorities.

That's when at least two deputies fired at Anderson, killing him, authorities said. They did not say what object Anderson had been holding.

“He just was having problems with depression, and he was reaching out for help," his mother told Mercury News. "And the help he got was to get killed."

The deputies accused of shooting Anderson have since been placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with the sheriff's office policy, according to authorities.

The California Department of Justice, as per state law, whenever police shoot an unarmed civilian, is also investigating the shooting.

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