San Diego police have released more information about an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Sept. 21 in the Pacific Beach area.
According to police, the incident began at around 3:45 p.m. when an officer was flagged down in the 1000 block of Garnet Avenue by two citizens who claimed a man was chasing another man with what appeared to be a knife.
As the officer began to gather information about the incident, the citizens pointed out and identified the man with the weapon walking westbound in the 1100-block of Garnet Avenue, police said.
After requesting assistance, the officer reportedly observed the suspect walking in his direction.
Police said the officer made eye contact with the suspect and the suspect immediately reached for his clothing and pulled out a silver medal object.
According to police, the officer told the suspect to drop the weapon but the suspect did not comply and instead advanced toward the officer, object in hand.
Police said the officer feared he would be stabbed, so he fired one shot at the suspect.
The gunshot hit the suspect in the lower abdomen, according to SDPD Capt. Terry McManus.
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The suspect was transported to an area hospital and was treated for a non-life threatening gunshot wound, according to police.
The SDPD said the officer involved in the shooting is Officer Micah Vanesler, a six-year veteran of the department.
Cell phone video of the incident from a witness included the sound of a gunshot and moments later showed a person on the ground being handcuffed by an officer.
Police closed off street access in the area as they continued to round up evidence and process the scene.
Homicide detectives were called to investigate, which is protocol following an officer-involved shooting.
A Sig Alert had been issued in the area just before 4:50 p.m. as the investigation continued.
