Palo Alto Man Fatally Shot Christmas Day Is Identified

PALO ALTO- A man allegedly wielding a knife who was fatally shot by officers Christmas Day in Palo Alto has been identified as 31-year-old William David Raff, according to police and the Santa Clara County medical examiner’s office.

See also:

• Police Say Suspect Shot and Killed Friday Night Had Called 9-1-1
• Suspect Armed With Knife Shot, Killed By Palo Alto Police

Raff allegedly called 911 from his home in the 600 block of Forest Avenue around 9:15 p.m. Friday and provided the name of a person who intended to harm someone else, police said.

It appeared he was waiting for officers and charged at them with a knife outside the home once they arrived, according to police.

In response, two officers fired at Raff, who was then transported to a hospital and died of his injuries, police said.

Police were unable to find anyone with the name Raff allegedly provided.

The officers, whose names have not released, were not injured and have been placed on paid administrative leave, according to police.

Police expect to release additional details about the case Tuesday afternoon.

Palo Alto police and the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the officer-involved shooting.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call police dispatch at (650) 329-2413. Anonymous tips can be made to paloalto@tipnow.org or sent by text message or voicemail to (650) 383-8984.

-Bay City News