OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif. — A California State Parks officer fatally shot a man wielding a knife after a car chase ended in a crash on Friday morning, authorities reported.
The pursuit began when the officer attempted to pull over a vehicle in connection with a carjacking in Tahoe City around 10 a.m, according to a statement from the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The vehicle, however, did not comply, prompting the pursuit.
The chase came to a halt after a crash near the Olympic Valley Inn at Palisades Tahoe, with the man exiting the vehicle carrying a knife. During the encounter, the State Parks officer fired at the man, who was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene despite attempts by officers to administer medical aid.
Details regarding the number of shots fired and the circumstances prompting the officer to use their firearm were not immediately released. Additionally, it is unclear whether the man still had the knife in hand at the time of the shooting. A Palisades-marked truck was also present at the scene, though it remains uncertain if the truck or an employee was involved.
Palisades Tahoe confirmed that the shooting occurred outside the Olympic Valley Event Center and reassured that the resort would continue its operations.
As the investigation continues, stay updated with the latest developments of this story.