41-year-old Jason Hampton of La Mesa has been identified as the suspect involved in a fatal police shooting in La Mesa, California. Hampton, who had a felony warrant, pointed a handgun at an officer multiple times, but the firearm malfunctioned. Officer Brian Heller discharged his firearm, striking Hampton multiple times, resulting in his death. A loaded 9mm handgun was recovered at the scene. Officer Heller has been placed on paid leave, and the investigation is ongoing. shooting/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Amber Coakley reported
LA MESA, Calif. — The authorities have identified the suspect and the officer involved in the recent fatal police shooting in La Mesa. The suspect has been named as Jason Hampton, a 41-year-old resident of La Mesa, according to the San Diego Police Department. On Sunday evening, officers spotted Hampton, who had a felony warrant, standing by a vehicle in a parking lot on University Ave. When the officers approached him, Hampton pulled out a handgun and aimed it directly at one of the officers. However, the firearm seemed to malfunction, preventing him from firing at the officer. In response, another officer fired multiple shots at Hampton as he ran through the parking lot, attempting to fix the malfunction. Eventually, Hampton was struck multiple times in the upper body and fell to the ground, dropping his firearm. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A loaded 9mm handgun was recovered from the scene. The officer who discharged his firearm has been identified as Brian Heller, a Master Patrol Officer with the La Mesa Police Department. He has been placed on paid leave, as per the standard protocol in such cases. The second officer present did not fire his weapon. The San Diego Police Homicide Unit is currently investigating the incident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting..
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