Sheriff's deputies shot and killed a man in Lancaster who they say attacked them with two machetes, authorities said.
Deputies found the man Tuesday morning at an Albertsons on 20th Street West, where he was accused of harassing shoppers, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Officers say they saw the man standing outside the entrance to the grocery store with two machetes in his backpack.
“When officers attempted to talk to him and calm him down, the suspect became agitated and grabbed both machetes,” the department said in a statement.
The man then entered Albertsons, refusing officers' “numerous commands” to drop the machetes, authorities said.
Officers tried “less lethal” methods, including stun guns, to apprehend the man. But authorities say he suddenly attacked the officers, three of whom then shot him.
The man, described as between 35 and 40 years old, was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Sheriff's Department. His name had not been made public as of Tuesday night.
No one else was injured. The two machetes were recovered at the scene, authorities said.
Investigators said they later linked the suspect to the stabbing of an employee at a local gas station earlier that day. According to authorities, that person was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The sheriff's homicide and internal affairs offices will investigate the shooting, as usual. The Office of the Inspector General will provide oversight throughout the investigation process.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will also conduct a legal analysis to determine whether the shooting was justified and whether charges will be filed.
