Washington Man Killed by Officer After Drawing Gun Over Shoplifted Burrito

The altercation began when the officer arrived the Chevron gas station on the corner of South Tower Avenue and East Cherry Street shortly before 10 a.m. to a report of a man who stole food.

A stolen burrito ended in a fatal shooting after police say the suspected shoplifter pulled a gun on the police officer who responded to the reported theft Sunday morning in Centralia.

The altercation began when the officer arrived at the Chevron gas station on the corner of South Tower Avenue and East Cherry Street shortly before 10 a.m. to a report of a man who stole food.

When Officer Ruben Ramirez and his police dog Lobo got out of his car, the man became belligerent, according to Officer John Panco, spokesman for the department. Ramirez approached the man and when he tried to place him into custody, a fight ensued, the Chronicle reports.

Ramirez called for backup and deployed Lobo, his K-9 partner, to assist in the arrest, according to Panco. As the fight continued, the man tried to reach into his pocket, but the dog grabbed ahold of his arm and prevented him from pulling his hand out.

When Lobo momentarily let go of the man, he put his hand back into his pocket then pulled out a handgun, according to Panco. Lobo bit the man again, and Ramirez saw the weapon, pulled his own gun and fired at least one round, striking the man. The 43-year-old Centralia man died on scene.

About the Author