Menifee Police Kill Armed Man Threatening Suicide

MENIFEE, CA — Two police officers in Menifee fatally shot an armed man on Wednesday night, who they say pointed a gun at them, authorities said.

At 8:15 p.m., police responded to the 27000 block of Freedom Lane after reports that a man was threatening suicide, according to the Menifee Police Department.

When two officers arrived, they encountered 57-year-old Menifee resident Dennis Martz, who was armed, police said.

The officers reported that they attempted to communicate with Martz while he was in his backyard with multiple firearms, "but were unsuccessful," the department said.

Members of a Crisis Negotiation Team also attempted to speak with Martz, but he refused to respond, officials said.

During the encounter, Martz pointed a firearm at officers, which prompted police to shoot him.

Once his weapons were secured, officers and paramedics rendered medical aid to Martz. Despite their efforts, Martz died of his injuries, the department said.

The police officers were not injured during the incident.

Per department policy, the officers will be placed on paid administrative leave while authorities investigate the case.

Representatives from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, the Riverside County Force Investigations Detail, and the Riverside County District Attorney's Office will all investigate the shooting.

No other information was available.