The Grover Beach Police Department has recently disclosed video footage capturing an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a 41-year-old man.
The incident unfolded on Saturday, May 25, around 6:45 p.m.
According to reports, the body-worn camera footage was captured by an officer who had hurried to the scene following a 911 call. The call originated from a concerned resident alerting authorities to a man exhibiting erratic behavior, shouting, and hurling rocks at passing vehicles near the vicinity of Grand Avenue and 13th Street.
The released video depicts the moment the officer arrives at the location and engages with the individual, who repeatedly asserts his possession of a gun. In a chilling turn of events, the man proceeds to advance towards the officer, brandishing what appears to be a firearm. Subsequently, the officer fires several shots, hitting the man, who collapses to the ground.
Further investigation revealed that the man was in possession of a replica firearm.
The video footage includes additional footage captured by a bystander wielding a cell phone from a gas station situated across the street.
Authorities have confirmed that the man, identified as Aaron Edward Gardner, hailing from Independence, Missouri, was rushed to the hospital following the altercation. Gardner was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the medical facility.
Additionally, law enforcement disclosed that Gardner, who was reportedly homeless and traveling through California, had a criminal record spanning various states. At the time of the fatal confrontation, Gardner was facing two outstanding warrants for his arrest in Kansas and Texas.