Police release video of fatal shooting involving SWAT snipers in Scripps Ranch.
San Diego police have released footage documenting a fatal shooting incident involving police snipers that occurred on March 25 in the Scripps Ranch neighborhood. The victim, identified as 59-year-old Erick Kulokow, was shot after authorities were alerted to reports of a man brandishing a firearm in the area.
The footage, captured from a police helicopter, depicts Kulokow standing barefoot in the driveway of a residence, holding a handgun and wearing ear protection. Officers in the helicopter reported observing Kulokow pointing the weapon upward, away from the officers but at an undetermined angle. A nearby pest control worker can be seen taking cover behind his vehicle, indicating the heightened tension in the situation.
According to police accounts, the helicopter crew utilized its public address system to instruct Kulokow to drop the weapon. However, he did not comply with these directives. The pest control worker was filmed attempting to escape into the back of his vehicle, emphasizing the apparent danger of the scenario.
For approximately 45 minutes, Kulokow remained in the driveway with the firearm, reportedly walking toward the street and directing the gun toward the police response team. During this standoff, two SWAT officers positioned themselves in readiness. When Kulokow pointed the gun toward the officers, both SWAT members discharged their weapons, ultimately hitting him once. Body-worn camera footage from the responding officers captures the critical moments leading up to the gunfire, while the helicopter footage shows Kulokow collapsing after aiming the weapon at law enforcement.
Emergency responders pronounced Kulokow dead at the scene. A loaded handgun was purportedly recovered in the aftermath of the incident. The SWAT officers involved in the shooting have been identified as Brandon Jordan, a 17-year veteran of the department, and Chris Lingenhol, who has served for 10 years.
In accordance with established protocols, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation into the shooting, as local policy mandates that law enforcement agencies do not investigate their own incidents. Additionally, the District Attorney’s Office will review the events. This case marks another instance of heightened scrutiny surrounding police responses to firearm-related incidents, prompting discussions about public safety and the use of force by law enforcement.
This case continues to unfold as further details are expected to emerge during the investigation. The community is urged to monitor updates from local authorities and news outlets.
– Media News Source
