Cop kills man in deadly scuffle

Richmond police have released new details about the deadly officer-involved shooting from early this morning – the city’s first such incident since 2007.

According to Richmond Police Chief Chris Magnus, the officer involved in this incident is a Latino, Spanish-speaking, six-year veteran with the department. Magnus said the officer was doing foot patrol at Uncle Sam’s Liquor Store at 3322 Cutting Blvd. around 12:15 a.m. today, when the incident occurred.

According to Magnus, security video footage shows that the officer encountered a 24-year-old Latino man at that time who was obviously intoxicated, and engaging in belligerent behavior.

When the officer asked the man to sit on the sidewalk for a records check, the suspect then attacked the officer and both men fell to the ground, Magnus said.

During an ensuing fight, Magnus said the suspect held on to one of the officer’s hands, and unsuccessfully tried to take the officer’s gun out of its holster with his other hand.

The officer tried to retreat from the fight, then fired three shots into the suspect’s chest, Magnus said.

The 24-year-old died inside the liquor store, police reported.

In addition to the limited video footage, Magnus said there was also at least one independent witness to the fight.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is now conducting an investigation of this shooting, while the officer remains on paid administrative leave.

Police have not released the names of either the officer or the victim.

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