Dwaine Andrew Holmes, 27, was shot and killed by a Tucson police officer during a struggle after he attacked the officer "without provocation," police said.
Police were called to investigate a man who was acting suspicious when they found Holmes parked in an East Side desert lot, Sgt. Mark Robinson said.
Police Sgt. Michael Merrill was checking the identification number of the vehicle, which did not have a license plate, when Holmes reached for a knife out of his waistband, Robinson said.
He said Merrill drew his gun and fired once, only to have Holmes grab at the gun. The two then "fought for control of the handgun," Robinson said.
Holmes was able to break a tactical light off the gun, but Merrill was able to regain control of the weapon and fired five rounds at the suspect, he said. Holmes was pronounced dead at the scene.
Merill, 44, was treated for facial wounds from the struggle. As is standard practice in any officer involved shooting, he was given administrative leave while the incident is investigated.
Do you know anything about Dwaine Andrew Holmes? Please e-mail rynski@tucsoncitizen.comRead story:
Man killed by cop had knives, attacked 'without provocation'
Geoff Grammer has the skinny on high school sports.
All the dish on the food scene in Tucson.
Reporter Ryn Gargulinski brings closure for Tucson's dead.
Your ticket to UA sports news and analysis.
ABOUT THIS BLOGGER
Tucson Citizen reporter, columnist and author of DAY OF THE DEAD, Ryn is also a poet, artist and animal lover.
COMMENTS
