Watch CBS News

Protest Erupts After Deadly Anaheim Deputy-Involved Shooting

ANAHEIM (CBS) — Protesters crowded the Anaheim Police Department Sunday following a deadly officer-involved shooting last night.

Chants of "cops, pigs, murderers" could be heard at the station, shortly before police chief John Welter was supposed to hold a press conference to answer questions about the man shot and killed during a foot chase on Anna Drive.

A woman claiming to be the suspect's sister told KNX 1070 that Manuel Diaz, 25, was shot in the back by an officer.

One protester told KNX the shooting was unjustified. Crowds chanted "Justice for Manuel."

On Saturday, at least three people were taken into custody in the near-riot that followed an officer's shooting and killing of a man in front of an apartment building. The crowd threw rocks and bottles at police, and a police dog escaped from a squad car and bit several people.

Anaheim residents have been demanding the city council order independent reviews of officer-involved shootings.

Protests carried over into the streets. Shopping carts and burning dumpsters lined the streets.

Bobby Kaple, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, spoke to Correna Chavez, the deceased's sister. "As far as I know, there was no reason for them to shoot at him."

Police told Kaple they were trying to question Diaz when he ran. They also charge Diaz threw something away as he fled the scene. Added Correna, "They shot him in the leg, he went down. The cop continued and shot him in the head. What is that about? My brother did not have a weapon on him at all."

One man bitten by the police dog in Saturday's melee has been identified as Junior Lagunas. "I tried to unbuckle my son and then I turned around, like this ... and then I saw the dog in my face."

Chief John Welter of the Anaheim Police department said the dog was let loose accidentally. Today he said, "I want to personally apologize for the police dog incident."

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.