CENTRALIA, Wash. — Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Centralia that happened Sunday morning.
An officer responded to a report of a 43-year-old who had just shoplifted a burrito from a store at 520 South Tower Avenue.
When the officer arrived in the area he found the man at the Anchor Bank parking lot at 604 South Tower Avenue, which is across the street from the store.
Police said when the officer got out of his vehicle the man became belligerent.
The officer then approached the man and as the officer tried to place the man into custody, a fight ensued. During the fight the officer called for backup.
Another officer deployed his K-9 to assist in the arrest.
Police said as the man tried to reach his own pocket, the K-9 grabbed his arm, but then the K-9 released his arm.
According to police, the man pulled a handgun from his pocket and the K-9 bit the man’s arm again. The officer then saw the weapon.
Police said the officer drew his duty weapon and shot at least one round at the man. The man died at the scene.
The officer is a 15-year veteran with the Central Police Department.
The investigation is ongoing.