A man allegedly armed with a knife — and what turned out to be a pellet gun resembling a Smith and Wesson handgun — was shot to death during a confrontation with police officers in Fullerton, authorities said Sunday, March 16.

Officers were dispatched at 11:50 p.m. Saturday to a home in the 700 block of West Orangethorpe Avenue regarding a man armed with a knife who had threatened a family member, according to Kristy Wells of the Fullerton Police Department.

“The reporting party told the call taker his 19-year-old brother had a knife and swung it at his father,” Wells said.

Arriving police officers contacted a man matching the description outside the residence on the sidewalk. He was uncooperative when given several commands by the officers, they said.

“At one point, the suspect abruptly lifted his shirt and removed what appeared to be a handgun,” she said. “An officer-involved shooting then occurred.”

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene and the pellet gun was located in close proximity to the suspect. No other people or officers were injured.

Anyone with information regarding the incident was urged to call the Fullerton Police Department at 714-738-6754. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-847-6227 or visit the website at www.p3tips.com/913.

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