On Wednesday, a fatal shooting by police officers occurred in South San Francisco on the 300 block of Oyster Point Boulevard that left a 38-year-old Ohio man dead after he reportedly pointed a replica firearm at them. The South San Francisco Police Department identified the man as Andrew Mate, according to an updated press release posted on their official Facebook page. The press release was accompanied by a photo of the non-lethal weapon that Mate had brandished at the officers. Law enforcement continues to ask for any additional information from the public regarding this incident.
Reports preceding the encounter describe a white male in his 40s aggressively trying to force entry into a public restroom with a metal object and acting erratically. According to Hoodline, upon arrival, police officers found Mate, which then led them to pursue him on foot through a pedestrian area quickly. An attempt to use less-lethal force was made, but it did not successfully subdue the suspect. The pursuit ended when Mate pointed what looked to be a firearm at the officers, who responded with deadly force.
Despite efforts from the South San Francisco Fire Department paramedics to quickly administer medical aid, Mate was pronounced dead at the scene. Initial confusion about the nature of the weapon was cleared when it was later determined that Mate had been holding a replica firearm, as noted in the SSFPD release. Fortunately, the incident did not result in any other injuries.
Following standard protocol for officer-involved shootings, the California Department of Justice has now taken over the investigation under the mandate of AB 1506. The participation of two South San Francisco officers and one from the San Bruno Police Department in the fatal shooting will be under review to assess the events leading up to the use of lethal force. The SSFPD, seeking to maintain transparency, has encouraged anyone with information to step forward and to help assist in the ongoing investigation.
