Man Who Attacked Officers With Metal Bow Rake Killed by Santa Cruz Police

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A man was killed by police in Santa Cruz early Sunday morning after he attacked officers with a metal bow rake, Santa Cruz police said.

According to a news release, officers responded to a call for a disturbance at a home in the 200 block of Chace Street around 3:30 a.m. The caller told police there was a man "pounding" on his front door. As officers were en route to the residence, the caller again called 911 to say the man was now at the back door and was yelling that he wanted to kill everyone inside.

Officers located the man at the back of the residence and as they attempted to take him into custody, he attacked officers with a metal bow rake, police said. He refused commands from officers to drop the weapon, police said.

According to police, officers deployed Tasers, but were unable to stop the attack. As the suspect continued to attack, an officer fired at the suspect. The suspect was given first aid until emergency personnel arrived and he was pronounced dead.

Police have not released the identity of the 32-year-old man.

Because of the officer-involved shooting, the county's Critical Incident Protocol was enacted, with the cooperation of the Santa Cruz Police Department, The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office and the Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office, according to police.

Per protocol, the decision was made that the District Attorney's Office will be the lead investigative agency. The protocol aims to ensure that the investigation remains independent, police said. The police department will also conduct a separate administrative investigation. Per policy, the involved officers will be placed on
administrative leave during the investigation, according to police.

Anyone with information can contact 831-420-5820.

--Bay City News contributed to this post/Image via Shutterstock