Authorities say a man shot and killed by a deputy was an environmental health specialist who worked for San Diego County for two decades.
Sheriff's officials said Monday that 56-year-old Gary Kendrick was shot after pointing a shotgun at deputies outside his condominium in Encinitas on Friday.
Deputies went to the Olivenhain neighborhood, where Kendrick's wife approached them outside her residence and informed them that her husband was suicidal and armed with a shotgun, Lt. John Maryon told reporters.
They found Kendrick in a nearby clearing, where he was sitting on the ground with his gun pointed at himself, officials said. He ignored repeated orders to drop the weapon and told one of the patrolmen to shoot him.
Maryon said Kendrick then raised the shotgun in the direction of Deputy Steven Block, who fired several rounds from his service AR-15 rifle in fear for his own safety. He fell to the ground, then once more tried to point the shotgun at the Block, who opened fire a second time, killing him.
Block, who has been with the department for less than five years, was placed on a minimum of three days paid leave, as is standard following deputy-involved shootings.
Kendrick worked for the county since 1995.
Suicide Prevention 24-Hour Hotlines
• San Diego County Crisis Line: 1-888-724-7240
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
