A man was shot and killed by a police officer at his home in Downey on Saturday night, sparking an investigation by the Department of Justice.
The incident occurred near Stewart and Gray Road, where officers responded to reports of a “male subject causing a disturbance.” Witnesses reported that the man, who had known mental health issues, was lighting fireworks in his backyard and got into an argument with a neighbor, According to CBS News.
Upon arrival, Downey Police Department officers approached the man, leading to a confrontation during which the man was shot. He died at the scene, and no officers were injured.
The Department of Justice quickly responded to the scene and has taken over the investigation. The Downey Police Department has released no further details at this time.
This incident adds to the growing list of police-involved shootings that have raised concerns about law enforcement’s handling of individuals with mental health issues. Community members are calling for transparency and accountability as the investigation unfolds. report from AOL.
Local residents expressed their shock and grief, with many questioning the necessity of the lethal force used by the officers. “He was known to have mental health challenges. There must be better ways to handle such situations,” said a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous.
Advocacy groups for mental health and police reform have also weighed in, urging a thorough and transparent investigation. “We need to ensure that law enforcement is equipped with the proper training to handle mental health crises without resorting to violence,” stated a representative from a local mental health advocacy group.
The Downey City Council has scheduled a meeting to address community concerns and discuss potential reforms in police training and protocols related to mental health incidents. The council aims to foster a dialogue between the police department, mental health professionals, and community members to prevent similar tragedies in the future. told by Yahoo.
As the investigation continues, the family of the deceased has requested privacy and urged the public to await the findings before drawing conclusions. The Department of Justice has assured a comprehensive investigation to determine the facts surrounding the shooting.
