Man Identified in Deadly Temecula Police Shooting

TEMECULA, CA – A man who was fatally shot this week outside a Temecula courthouse has been identified as a local resident.

According to the Riverside County coroner's office, 48-year-old Michael Cookson of Temecula died in the parking lot outside the court, in the 41000 block of County Center Drive. He died at 10:57 a.m. Tuesday, 23 minutes after he was shot.

Sheriff's officials say the man had "moved toward" a deputy "in a threatening manner" while armed with a knife. That deputy had responded to the location after getting reports of an altercation between the man and a woman, and was trying to break the fight up when the shooting occurred, officials said.

Paramedics were immediately called to the location and first aid was rendered, but the suspect ultimately succumbed to his injuries, police said.

"The involved deputy sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident and was transported to a local area hospital where he received treatment for his injuries," according to Deputy Mike Vasquez.

SEE ALSO:

• Details Emerge in Deadly Temecula Officer-Involved Shooting
  
• Temecula Officer-Involved Shooting: One Reported Dead

Patch file photo by Maggie Avants