In 2007 we were told the “spate” of killings was an anomaly. In the first week of 2008 the Santa Rosa Police have demonstrated what a difference a year full of glad handing and secret meetings make.
from the Press Democrat:
http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080103/NEWS/553606061/1033/NEWS01
New details in police shooting
By THE PRESS DEMOCRAT STAFF
A mentally ill man shot to death by Santa Rosa police had approached officers with a large kitchen knife, saying “slashing, slashing,” authorities said Thursday.
The identity of the man has yet to be released.
He was living in a home near downtown Santa Rosa where tenants are referred by county mental health authorities.
Police were called to the A Street home Wednesday after he threatened other tenants, according to a statement issued by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department.
The man suffered schizo-affective disorder and has stopped taking his medication, a mental health told police.
Three officers arrived at the house and approached the man’s room where a mental health worker who knew the man tried to make contact.
“The mental health worker knocked on the door and immediately they heard an aggressive movement coupled with the suspect ranting, ‘Slashing, slashing,’ ” according to the sheriff’s statement.
“The mental health worker, in fear for his safety, retreated behind the officers,” the statement said. “Moments later, the suspect came out of the bedroom door yelling a death threat at the officers.”
Officer Gregory Yaeger tried to stop the man with a Taser stun gun but he kept coming, with a kitchen knife with a 10-inch blade raised to shoulder height, “in striking position,” the statement said.
Officer Michael Heiser fired his handgun four times, all four rounds hitting the man.
The sheriff’s statement said the man fell and dropped the knife, but continued to struggle. Officers used a Taser again before he was handcuffed and taken to a hospital.
The man died at 7:37 p.m. The statement said he had been expected to survive but offered no details about his death.
Sheriff’s officials said the man isn’t being identified because they had yet to reach his family.
The investigation was turned over to the Sheriff’s Department after the man died. An agreement among local law enforcement agencies calls for an outside investigation of officer-involved fatalities.
The third officer at the home was identified as Gregg Ayer, a 27-year veteran. Heiser is a 13-year veteran and Yaeger is a 10-year veteran, the statement said.
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