PITTSBURG — A 43-year-old Antioch man was fatally shot by Pittsburg police late Friday night following a suspected drug deal, police said.
Officers responded to Nation’s Giant Hamburgers at 3789 Railroad Ave. after a resident reported seeing a man sitting in a vehicle who appeared to be conducting a drug transaction with someone in another vehicle.
When police arrived a few minutes later they found the man sitting in the driver’s seat; the other vehicle had left. As two officers approached they spotted a handgun in the center console and immediately ordered the occupant to raise his hands without touching the firearm, police said.
Although the man initially obeyed the instructions, placing his hands on the steering wheel, he then dropped his right arm in an attempt to retrieve the gun, according to police. As he began to raise his hand again one of the officers fired, striking the suspect.
Officers said they immediately pulled him out of the car and administered first aid until an ambulance arrived. The man died at John Muir Medical Center.
His name has not yet been released pending notification of relatives.
In accordance with the protocol when there’s an officer-involved fatality, Pittsburg Police Department has launched a joint investigation into the shooting with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.
