Officials have identified the man who was shot and killed by San Diego Police last week after setting fire to a North Park sex shop and a police K-9.
The man has been identified as 33-year-old Saul Sandoval Chavez, and the officer who discharged his weapon has been identified as SDPD Canine Unit Officer Kyle Lehr.
On Sept. 16, Chavez was seen smashing out car windows with a large chain on Utah Street. Once police arrived, Chavez prompted a foot pursuit before barricading himself inside the Adult Emporium, SDPD Lt. Juan Marquez said.
Inside the store on 30th Street, Chavez was seen carrying an incendiary device and flammable liquid by officers. SDPD attempted to negotiate with Chavez, but he refused to exit.
A police K-9 was then sent in and was burned by Chavez on its neck and hind legs. Chavez then moved toward the front door of the business with the incendiary device. That is when Officer Lehr shot multiple rounds and hit him at least once, according to Marquez.
Chavez was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Three SDPD officers had minor burn injuries on their hands and were treated at the hospital. The K-9 was also treated for his injuries and released, according to Marquez.
NBC 7 | Roberto Castanares
A police officer stands next to yellow tape outside of where a shooting occurred in North Park. (NBC 7 | Roberto Castanares)
Officer Lehr has been with the San Diego Police Department for 10 years, officials said.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department will be taking over the investigation. San Diego County law enforcement agencies have a memorandum of understanding that prevents departments from investigating shootings involving their own officers.
This is a developing story. Details may change as information is released.
A vandalism investigation ended with a deadly police shooting, along with a police dog and three officers injured. It happened at the “Adult Emporium” on 30th Street in North Park. NBC 7’s Dave Summers has the story.