Subscribe
Hellobeautiful Featured Video
CLOSE
US-CRIME-POLICE-SHOOTING

Source: LAURA BUCKMAN / Getty

Police opened fire on a man who they say acted “erratically” at a California strip mall near San Diego, California, reports NBC San Diego.

The man identified by family as Alfred Olango, 30, was rushed to a nearby hospital in El Cajo, where he later died. Police have not yet publicly released his name.

A woman who identifies as Olango’s sister said he was mentally ill and demands answers regarding the fatal encounter. According to The New York Times, authorities won’t release her name because she refuses to cooperate with police.

She posted a video capturing the aftermath to Facebook, in which you can hear her plead with police: “I called you to help me but you killed my brother. Why couldn’t you guys tase him? Why, why, why, why?”

An eyewitness uploaded video of the tragic situation as it unfolded:

El Cajon spokesperson Rob Ransweiler said officers were responding to reports of an allegedly disturbed man when they came in contact with Olango outside of a fast food restaurant at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

According to Police Chief Jeff Davis, Olango was obstructing traffic in a manner that presented a danger to himself and other motorists.

Police say Olango failed to comply with their orders and kept his hands concealed in his pockets while walking back and forth. According to authorities, a second responding officer prepared to deploy a taser when Olango reached inside his pants and “rapidly drew an object,” holding it like a firearm in a shooting stance, NBC reports.

Several eyewitnesses offer conflicting reports, according to NBC. One said police shot with no warning, while others differ on whether Olango complied with officers’ demands. Another said they heard five shots ring out.

“When I seen the suspect, he had his hands up,” witness Michael Rodriguez said to NBC. “I seen two officers with their firearm on him.The man’s hands are up. No shirt,” he said. “He didn’t have no shirt.”

A large group gathered near the scene on Tuesday to protest for justice and transparency.

NBC reports some witnesses claim their phones were taken by police. Chief Davis said those reports were false, according to The Times, and that a witness voluntarily turned over cell phone footage to the police.

The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, according to NBC.

Olango’s shooting is the latest in a string of fatal police encounters involving Black men across the country. In the past month, three high-profile shootings have stirred the nation: Tyre King in Ohio, Terence Crutcher in Oklahoma, andKeith Lamont Scott in Charlotte.

SOURCE: NBC San DiegoThe New York Times | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty, Twitter

RELATED LINKS

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Releases Video Of Keith Lamont Scott Shooting

No Criminal Charges Filed Against Officers Involved In Fatal Shooting Of Korryn Gaines

Terence Crutcher Is Not ‘One Bad Dude,’ He Was Someone’s Father

The grand return of the Melanin Awards amplifies and honors the finest Black-owned beauty brands with honest reviews, and discusses the evolution of beauty in Hip-Hop culture.