Union City Man Identified as Armed Robbery Suspect Killed by Newark Police

NEWARK, CA - An armed robbery suspect shot and killed by a Newark police officer on Saturday night was identified today by the Alameda County coroner's bureau as Teodoro Valencia, a 23-year-old Union City resident.

Valencia was shot when he allegedly pointed a gun at the officer after robbing a KFC restaurant at 5724 Thornton Ave. shortly before 10 p.m., police said.

Police first received a 911 call at 9:52 p.m. from an employee at the KFC reporting an armed man was forcing another employee to open the cash register, according to police.

Arriving officers saw an employee inside with her hands up as the robber left the restaurant through the kitchen. One of the officers went to the back of the restaurant and saw Valencia come out.

The officer yelled at him to stop, but Valencia allegedly turned toward the officer and pointed a handgun at him, according to police. The officer fired a single shot that hit Valencia, who turned and ran south on St. Edwards Street, dropping some of the stolen items and his gun before he collapsed, police said.

Paramedics provided first aid but Valencia died at the scene.

The Newark officer who shot Valencia has been with the department for three years. He was placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation by the department and the Alameda County District Attorney's Office.

Anyone with information about the robbery and shooting has been asked to contact Sgt. David Higbee at (510) 578-4962.

--Bay City News; Image via Shutterstock