Man shot dead by Sunrise officer said there would be 'hell to pay’ then aimed rifle, police say
A 56-year-old man who pointed a rifle at police was killed early Sunday when one of the officers opened fire, city police said.
The man, whose name was not immediately released by police, was threatening to harm himself and anyone that came into his apartment, said Officer Christopher Piper, an agency spokesman.
Officers went to the man’s home after his ex-wife got “alarming messages” from him and called 911, Piper said.
Officers called the man on his phone at around 12:44 a.m. but got no answer. Finally, they were able to speak to him through an open window.
According to police, the man warned them “there will be hell to pay” because he had weapons. A short time later he pointed a long rifle at officers who were in the stairwell about 15 feet away.
One officer immediately fired three rounds from his department-issued sidearm, Piper said.
The man was pronounced dead at 12:52 a.m. inside his apartment at 2704 NW 104th Ave.
Police say they found several guns inside the apartment, including a tactical shotgun at the man’s feet.
No officers were injured.
The officer who fired his weapon will be placed on administrative in keeping with standard policy, Piper said. The officer’s name was not immediately released.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is handling the investigation.
This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4554 or on Twitter @Susannah_Bryan
———
©2020 the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Visit the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) at www.sun-sentinel.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
