A man suspected of looting a pharmacy in the San Francisco Bay area was fatally shot by officers who thought he was carrying a firearm in his waistband, but it turned out to be a hammer, police say.
Details of the shooting were revealed even as some California counties and cities began plans to end curfews after days of largely peaceful protests over the in-police custody death of George Floyd.
Sean Monterrosa, 22, of San Francisco is the first confirmed death at the hands of law enforcement in California since protests rocked the country last week.
Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams said officers were responding to calls of looting at a Walgreens early on Tuesday when the shooting occurred.
The shooting death prompted renewed calls against police brutality.
"The intent was to stop the looting and arrest any perpetrators if necessary. The officers reacted to a perceived threat," Williams said.
"I would say that it's always at tragedy anytime an officer has to use force. My condolences to his family; it is a difficult thing to happen I understand that."
Williams said police saw about a dozen people suspected of looting in the parking lot of the store. A black sedan rammed a police vehicle and at the same time, officers spotted Monterrosa with what appeared to be a weapon.
"This individual appeared to be running toward the black sedan when he suddenly stopped, taking a kneeling position, and placing his hands above his waist, revealing what appeared to be the butt of a handgun," Williams said.
An officer fired five times through a police car windshield, hitting Monterrosa once, Williams said. Monterrosa had a hammer tucked into the pocket of his sweatshirt, the chief said.
John Burris, a lawyer for the family, said he is appalled police would shoot at a person who was on his knees with his hands raised. "This young man was shot multiple times while he was on his knees and appeared to be trying to surrender," Burris said.
The officer who shot Monterrosa is an 18-year veteran who has been placed on leave pending an investigation.
Authorities have credited curfews and the arrival of National Guard troops with significantly reducing vandalism and thefts. Officials have said organised gangs of thieves took advantage of the distraction of protests to hit dozens of businesses.
Australian Associated Press