A San Diego County Sheriff's deputy shot and killed a man holding a screwdriver in Alpine, officials said Wednesday.
Just before 4:30 p.m., deputies got a report of a mentally ill, violent man in the 3600 block of Emmanuel Way, about six miles south of Viejas Casino and Resort. However, by the time they arrived, the 33-year-old suspect had left, according to Lt. John Maryon.
“The person at the location said that the male had planned an attack on a deputy using a screwdriver, forcing a deputy to shoot him or he would overdose on narcotics," said Maryon.
As investigators broadcast the warning, another deputy met the suspect on a roadway.
Maryon said it's not clear what happened, but they do know the deputy deployed his Taser and then shot at the man, striking him.
Deputies and paramedics tried to perform CPR on the suspect, but he died a short time later. A screwdriver was found by his body, according to Maryon.
"I mean, someone that’s desperate to possibly kill themselves will — if they don’t have access to a weapon that they can really harm themselves with — unfortunately they might reach out and find another weapon and cause us to do it for them. Very unfortunate," said Maryon.
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The suspect lived in the area with his parents, but officials have not released his identity. No deputies were injured in the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and sheriff's detectives are interviewing the deputy involved for more information.
