San Diego

Man Killed in Deputy-Involved Shooting in Bankers Hill Had Long Criminal History

Sheriff’s deputies Sean Ochoa and Don Wood both fired several rounds at James H. Lacy

A 47-year-old man fatally shot by San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies in Banker’s Hill on Friday has a lengthy criminal history, including arrests for drug possession, driving under the influence, hit-and-run, and other serious offenses.

James H. Lacy was also sentenced to three years in state prison in 2001 for brandishing a firearm at law enforcement officers.

Lacy was shot and killed Friday after he reportedly threatened to shoot two deputies trying to evict him from his apartment on 2nd Avenue, just north of Downtown and west of Balboa Park.

Investigators also said Lacy “moved a handgun in [the deputies'] direction.” Lacy’s weapon was later identified as a non-lethal BB air pistol or Airsoft replica handgun.

Deputies Sean Ochoa and Don Wood both fired several rounds at Lacy.

Court records obtained by NBC 7 revealed Lacy’s run-ins with the law date back to at least 1990, when he was 20-years-old.

Following his arrest on drug and gun charges in 2000, a judge ordered psychiatric testing for Lacy. A court-appointed psychiatrist said Lacy was mentally competent, and he later pleaded guilty to a felony weapons violation.

In 2011, Lacy was charged with felony possession of cocaine, driving under the influence of drugs, and hit-and-run driving. Documents, in that case, make reference to four prior felony and misdemeanor convictions.

In the 2011 case, Lacy pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts and was placed on probation. A judge also ordered him to complete a First Offender’s program, attend a DUI victims’ impact panel, and pay a $1,777 fine.

Court records show that as of May 2014, Lacy still owed $1,287 of that penalty, which was sent to a collection agency.

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