A 22-year-old man was killed after an officer-involved shooting at a popular community park in Anaheim early Tuesday morning, police said.
The man was identified as 22-year-old Gustavo Najera.
The shooting was reported around 1 a.m. in Sage Park at 1313 W. Lido Place, according to the Anaheim Police Department.
Officers received reports about a man knocking on residents' doors several times. He was told to leave but would repeatedly return, according to the Anaheim Police Department.
Two officers drove around the area to locate the man. One of the officers walked into the park and found him. The officer did not notify anyone that he located the man inside the park, according to the Anaheim Police Department.
The officer made contact with the man and an officer-involved shooting occurred, police said.
Najera was transported to a hospital in critical condition. He was pronounced dead upon arrival, police said.
U.S. & World
It was not immediately clear if Najera was the man knocking on doors that prompted police to initially search the area. No weapon was found where the shooting happened.
The officer who shot the man was wearing a body camera, which he activated before the shooting, according to the Anaheim Police Department.
"The officer did have a body camera and was activated at the time — we’re hoping that will shed light on the situation as well," said Sgt. Daron Wyatt.
The body camera footage will be submitted to the Orange County District Attorney's Office for investigation, police said.
Police said the department has used body cameras in the field for about one year.
The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending investigation.
Neighbors told NBC4 there has been an increase in crime in the area recently, with a growing number of homeless people using the park for refuge.
Oleevia Woo contributed to this report.
