A Westminster police officer shot a vandalism suspect armed with a pipe

WESTMINSTER, CA – On December 24, 2022, at about 12:57 AM, Westminster police officers responded to the 9100 block of Bolsa Avenue reference a possible vandalism.

Officers located the suspect, who was armed with a metal pipe. Officers attempted de-escalation tactics, but the suspect refused to drop the pipe. A less lethal option (Taser) was attempted but was unsuccessful.

The suspect attempted to strike officers with the pipe and an officer involved shooting occurred. Officers immediately rendered medical aid to the suspect and he was transported to a local hospital in critical but stable condition. There were no officers injured in the incident. A metal pipe was recovered at the scene.

WPD detectives and investigators from the Orange County District Attorney’s office responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

Westminster police urges anyone with additional information, surveillance video, or who may have witnessed these crimes, to contact the Westminster Police Department at 714-548-4570, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS or by logging on to www.occrimestoppers.org. Callers can remain anonymous.