FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. – A child molestation investigation by the Santa Ana Police Department led to a fatal encounter with a suspect in Fountain Valley, California. The incident occurred during a struggle for a handgun at an apartment complex, according to authorities.
Santa Ana officers arrived at an apartment in the 10300 block of La Hacienda Avenue in Fountain Valley at approximately 10:50 p.m. on Monday. They were attempting to contact a man suspected of child molestation, according to Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna. The city of Santa Ana borders Fountain Valley.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the suspect’s mother opened the door and allowed the police to enter. At that point, the suspect attempted to flee. Officers pursued the suspect and observed that he was armed with a gun, Bertagna stated.
Reportedly, a struggle ensued over the weapon, leading the police to open fire, striking the man at least once. After rendering aid at the scene, officers transported the man to UCI Medical Center in Orange, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police did not immediately release details regarding the underlying child molestation case. The Fountain Valley Police Department and the Orange County District Attorney’s office responded to the scene to investigate the shooting, Bertagna confirmed. This incident highlights the dangers officers face and the complexities of police work.
YOU’D BE SURPRISED TO LEARN WHAT A COP EXPERIENCES DURING A FATAL ENCOUNTER