On July 11, 2018 at approximately 12:22 p.m., Officers responded to a park area near the intersection of 7th and G Street after a local landscaper and a City employee encountered a man armed with a handgun.

Two Officers arrived and encountered a man matching the description provided. During their contact with the man, he became uncooperative and failed to comply with basic commands given by the Officers.

At one point during the contact, the man told the Officers he was armed, indicating with his hand where the weapon was, along his waistline.

The Officers continued to give the man commands to raise his hands and to go to his knees, but he would not comply. Without warning, the man suddenly lifted his shirt and drew a handgun from his waistline. In response, one of the Officers fired one round at the man, striking him in the abdomen.

Emergency medical personnel responded and transported the man to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Investigators recovered a black replica handgun at the scene. Because this investigation is ongoing no further information will be released at this time.

To leave an anonymous crime tip call (209) 827-7070, ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the contact page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or contact the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org