Man Armed With Machetes Fatally Shot by Lancaster Sheriff’s Deputies

LANCASTER, Calif., Feb. 6 (KNN) — A man reported to be wielding two machetes at a Lancaster supermarket was fatally shot by deputies after commands and less lethal attempts were made to persuade the man to disarm.

At approximately 9:28 a.m., Lancaster Sheriff’s Station deputies received a call for service regarding a disturbance at the Albertsons located at Avenue K and 20th Street West in the city of Lancaster.

Upon arrival, they contacted the suspect described as a White male, 35 – 40 years old, at the front entrance to the store. He was holding two machetes and a backpack at the time. Deputies spoke with the man for approximately 10 minutes trying to convey to him to drop the weapons he was holding, said Lt. Michael Gomez with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at a press conference at the scene.

At that point, the man entered the store with deputies following him inside. Ultimately, the man charged at the deputies which led to a deputy-involved shooting, according to Gomez.

It was confirmed by Gomez at the press conference, that less lethal force was attempted on the subject before the shooting occurred.

Gomez said that three deputies shot at the man, and two machetes were recovered next to him. Ultimately, the man was transported to a local hospital and was pronounced deceased.

No other individuals were hurt during this incident.

It was discovered that the same suspect was at a local Chevron gas station in the area and assaulted an employee who survived, said Gomez. Based on the information from the Albertsons call, and the call from the gas station, deputies were able to identify the man as one in the same suspect. It is believed he was a local from the area.

Detectives and crime scene technicians were at the location and are at the beginning stages of processing the crime scene. Several potential witnesses at the scene were observed being taken away on a city bus. Gomez confirmed they were being interviewed.

There is no further information at this time.

Anthony Cheval, Video Journalist / KNN