DOWNEY : Man Slain by Officer After Scuffle in Front Yard
A 33-year-old Downey man was shot and killed by a police officer early Tuesday after he attacked the officer with his fists without provocation and grabbed the officer’s baton, authorities said.
The officer, who was not identified, suffered minor head injuries in the struggle with James Skaggs on the front lawn of Skaggs’ home on Downey Avenue about 2:45 a.m. The officer shot Skaggs after the suspect wrestled the officer’s baton away from him, authorities said.
The officer was treated at a hospital and released.
Police were called to Skaggs’ house by someone reporting a man causing a disturbance. Police Lt. Mike Wheatley said Skaggs rushed the officer and hit him without provocation.
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