KENT, Wash. (AP) — Police in Kent, Wash., say officers fatally shot an agitated man Wednesday when they believed he was reaching for a weapon. A police statement did not say whether a weapon was found.
Police say the 42-year-old man was suspected of striking a woman during a fight Wednesday morning. The man drove off as officers responded. They later found the disabled car and saw the man run toward a nearby water tower. Police say he was clutching a “shiny object” they believed to be a weapon.
After climbing the tower, the man reportedly told police he was armed and would shoot anyone who approached him. He also said he wanted to die.
Police say the man climbed down after two hours but then threatened officers again before reaching into his pocket.
The officers involved are on administrative leave. Renton police are investigating.
