Businessman Died of 5 Gunshot Wounds

A despondent Apple Valley businessman who was shot by police after reportedly aiming a handgun at SWAT officers died from five gunshot wounds to his head and torso, officials said Tuesday.

Jim Wingate, a deputy county coroner, said that toxicology tests to check for drugs and alcohol in the system of 39-year-old Stephen Bayer will be available in a few weeks.

Meanwhile, three Simi Valley police officers have been placed on paid temporary leave from their jobs after the shooting, officials said.

Bayer was killed Monday after leading officers on a three-hour chase that started in Apple Valley and ended after a four-hour standoff in Simi Valley. Bayer’s family has said he was despondent over money troubles.

The officers were placed on leave Monday night, which is a standard department procedure, Police Lt. Neal Rein said. The officers, all on the SWAT team, will be allowed to return to work later this week.

Rein refused to disclose the names and ages of the officers. He said they would be required to meet with a department psychologist before returning to work. An internal investigation of the shooting is ongoing.