Off-Duty Los Angeles Deputy Shot and Killed by Police During Mental Health Crisis on Golf Course

An off-duty Los Angeles Sheriff’s Office deputy was shot and killed by police Tuesday while suffering from a mental health crisis on a golf course.

Fontana officers fired at Alejandro Diaz, 45, after he allegedly pointed a handgun at them, according to police.

The deadly shooting happened after cops responded to a call from a woman saying that her husband fired his gun at a wall inside their home near the Sierra Lakes Golf Club, police told NBC LA.

Diaz was found sitting near the putting green. Gunfire erupted after he raised his firearm at the officers, department spokesperson Daniel Romero told the station.

Diaz was rushed to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic shooting incident involving our off-duty deputy who passed away,” the department said in a statement.

“This incident is extremely difficult for the family, our personnel, and the officers involved.”

The deputy was in the grips of a mental health crisis, multiple law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times. The sources also said the deputy was likely under the influence of alcohol and was visibly distraught.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff´s Department is investigating the shooting.

A neighbor of Diaz, Myesha Dowe, told NBC LA that Diaz was well-liked in the neighborhood.

“He was a police officer that was helping us. Not only doing his job in the neighborhood,” Dowe said. “But also, just a good neighbor.”

Conclusion

With Post wires