Man shot by Downey police was carrying an airsoft rifle – NBC Los Angeles

Alberto Nicolas Arenas, 28, was shot and killed by police officers at his Downey home Saturday afternoon after he brandished an airsoft rifle, police said.

According to Downey police, officers were called to a disturbance call in the 7100 block of Stewart and Gray Road around 6:15 p.m. Saturday.

“Officers made several attempts to gain control and de-escalate the situation. However, Arenas pointed what appeared to be a rifle at officers. An officer-involved shootout ensued and the suspect was struck by gunfire. The suspect was treated at the scene by the Downey Fire Department and pronounced dead at the scene. Neither the public nor Downey officers were injured,” Downey police wrote.

Arenas’ father, also named Alberto, said his son suffers from mental illness.

“He suffered from psychosis and schizophrenia,” Alberto said. “There is simply nothing that can be done, nothing that would bring my son back.”

Alberto said police were called following an argument with a neighbor after Arenas set off fireworks in the backyard, adding he was unaware his son owned an airsoft gun.