Officers shot and killed a man who lifted his shirt and brandished a weapon at them in Orange County late Saturday, police say.
A press release issued by the Fullerton Police Department states that authorities were first dispatched to the 700 block of West Orangethorpe Drive at 11:51 p.m. regarding a domestic disturbance.
“The reporting party told the call taker that his 19-year-old brother had a knife and swung it at his father,” the press release said.
When officers arrived on scene, they contacted the 19-year-old outside of the residence on a sidewalk. He was not compliant with officers’ instructions, and after several commands, he lifted his shirt and removed “what appeared to be a gun” from his waistband.
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Officers shot and killed a man who lifted his shirt and brandished a weapon at them in Orange County late Saturday, Mar. 15, 2025. (County News) -
Officers shot and killed a man who lifted his shirt and brandished a weapon at them in Orange County late Saturday, Mar. 15, 2025. (County News) -
Officers shot and killed a man who lifted his shirt and brandished a weapon at them in Orange County late Saturday, Mar. 15, 2025. (County News) -
Officers shot and killed a man who lifted his shirt and brandished a weapon at them in Orange County late Saturday, Mar. 15, 2025. (County News)
It was at that moment that the officers opened fire, Fullerton police said.
After the shooting, police officers began life-saving measures until paramedics arrived; however, the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
“A pellet gun resembling a Smith & Wesson handgun was located at the scene in close proximity to the subject,” authorities stated. “No other parties or officers were injured.”
The 19-year-old’s identity will be released by the Orange County Coroner.
Video from the scene obtained by KTLA shows miscellaneous items scattered along the sidewalk as well as police questioning a man, although his connection to the incident is unclear.
Aerial footage of the area in the immediate aftermath of the shooting shows a large police presence in the neighborhood.
According to police, the initial 911 call indicated that there may have been other witnesses or victims to the suspect’s actions leading up to the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact FPD Detective N. Valdes by calling 714-738-6754, and anonymous tips can be submitted to O.C. Crime Stoppers: 1-855-847-6227.
Per standard protocol, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office is conducting an investigation into the actions of the officers involved in the incident. Detectives with the Fullerton Police Crimes Against Persons unit will also be investigating potential criminal acts by the suspect.
All relevant videos, recordings and images of the incident will be released with 45 days according to state law.
