Police: Officer shoots, kills suspected burrito shoplifter who pulled out a gun

 

(Photo: KCPQ-TV)



CENTRALIA -- Police say an officer shot and killed a man who pulled out a gun Sunday morning in Centralia.

Centralia police say the officer was trying to talk with man who was suspected of shoplifting a burrito from a store on the 500 block of South Tower Avenue.

The officer tried to take the suspect into custody and he started fighting. Police say the officer used a K-9 to help him make the arrest.

The suspect tried to reach into his pocket, but the K-9 bit his arm and stopped him, according to Centralia police. The dog let go for a moment and the suspect pulled out a handgun. The dog bit the suspect's arm again and the officer drew his weapon and fired once.

Police say the 43-year-old Centralia man died at the scene.

The police officer is a 15-year veteran of the Centralia Police Department.