Tulare County Deputies Fatally Shoot Man After Mistaking Cellphone for Weapon

California authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Tulare County after sheriff’s deputies responding to a welfare check fatally shot a man they believed was pointing a weapon at them, officials said.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called just before 10:30 a.m. Wednesday to the 400 block of Matheny Road in Tulare after reports of a possible fight and a request for a welfare check.

When deputies arrived, they encountered a man inside a home who refused to come outside, the sheriff’s office said in a statement. Authorities said the man later ran out the back door while pointing an object at deputies that they believed was a weapon.

Deputies opened fire, and the object was later determined to be a black cellphone, according to the sheriff’s office.

The man suffered life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency medical efforts, authorities said.

The identity of the man was not immediately released pending notification of family members.

Sheriff Mike Boudreaux requested assistance from the Tulare Police Department and the California Department of Justice to investigate the shooting, the sheriff’s office said.

Authorities said the investigation is intended to ensure a “thorough and transparent inquiry” into the incident.

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