Police Kill Man They Say Attacked Them

Two police officers fatally shot a Westminster man in his house Sunday after he allegedly grabbed a kitchen knife and lunged at a third officer, authorities said.

The late afternoon shooting occurred as the officers attempted to defuse a dispute between the man and his wife, police said.

The man, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds, was transported to a local hospital where he was declared dead. His identity was being withheld by police late Sunday. None of the officers, whose identities also were withheld, were injured.

Police said they were called to the Pacheco Avenue house by the man’s wife. Neighbors said the couple had been arguing.

A next-door neighbor said the man apparently was at a racetrack and had arrived home late, angering his wife, who was waiting to go to work but had to remain with the couple’s two children until he returned.

Westminster Police Capt. Andy Hall said the officers had difficulty getting the man to calm down.

Hall said the man repeatedly asked the officers if he was under arrest. When the officers said no, the man said, “Fine, this is my house and I can go where I want then,” according to Hall.

The man walked into the kitchen and one of the officers followed closely behind, Hall said.

In the kitchen, the man grabbed a knife with a 9-inch blade, Hall said. The man lifted the knife above his head in a threatening motion and turned toward the officer who was following him, Hall said.

“The officer was backpedaling,” Hall said. “The two other officers drew their weapons and fired. The man was within striking distance when they shot him.”