Local News in Brief : Central County : 3 Police Departments Cleared in Slaying

The district attorney’s office has cleared three police departments involved in the shooting death of a Chino man, who led officers on a 15-minute chase in March.

Investigators from the district attorney’s office agreed with the findings from the police internal investigation, calling the death of Toby Paul Weiss, 29, a case of justifiable homicide.

“These officers shot Mr. Weiss in response to (his) trying to run over another officer,” said Deputy Dist. Atty. Bryan F. Brown.

Weiss was shot to death at the end of a March 2 chase involving officers from Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley and Santa Ana police departments, Deputy Dist. Atty. James P. Cloninger said. Weiss had a blood alcohol level of .25, more than double the .10 level considered legally under the influence.

The chase ended in Santa Ana, where Weiss’ truck stalled at an intersection. A Costa Mesa officer then approached the car and opened the door, Cloninger said. At that point, Weiss reportedly restarted the car, slammed it into reverse and dragged the officer for about 30 feet, eventually throwing him clear of the truck.

To the officers positioned in front of the truck, it appeared that Weiss was trying to run over the officer, who sustained only minor injuries. Officers from the Santa Ana and Fountain Valley police departments then fired 13 shots, hitting Weiss with four bullets, Cloninger said.