According to SDPD, the man who was killed by police after firing shots at officers has been identified

The above video aired on July 10, 2024.

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) – A man who was shot by police last week after firing in the direction of officers in Chula Vista has been identified, authorities said.

Moises Colunga Jr., 50, was announced as the suspect, Lt. Daniel Meyer of the San Diego Police Department said in a press release Monday.

Authorities received a 911 call about a car crash at the intersection of Marina Parkway and Sandpiper Way at around 1:01 a.m. on Wednesday, police said. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the sole driver of a white sedan with front-end damage in the vehicle.

Police ordered the man to get out of the car, but instead the engine revved up as if it was about to drive away. The vehicle did not move, however, likely due to damage to the front end, according to SDPD.

The man remained in the vehicle while officers prepared to use less lethal methods, such as pepper spray, to safely remove and arrest him.

“At one point, officers were able to briefly see that he appeared to be holding a firearm in his hand,” Meyer said.

About 30 minutes later, the man opened the car door, reached around the car and then pointed a firearm at the officers, police said.

The suspect fired at least one shot in the direction of officers, prompting a Chula Vista police sergeant to return fire, striking the suspect in the upper body.

First responders took Colunga to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police found a firearm next to the driver’s seat of the car.

Authorities also identified the CVPD sergeant involved in the shooting. His name is Patrick Alvarez, who has worked with the Chula Vista Police Department for about 23 years.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.