BRENTWOOD — A man shot to death by a Brentwood police officer on Christmas Eve has been identified by authorities.
In a statement, Brentwood police said they shot 43-year-old Romaine Morgan, of Stockton, because he grabbed a high-powered rifle during a traffic stop in the area of Balfour Road and Foothill Drive. Police said they pulled over Morgan about 10:55 p.m. on suspicion that he was driving under the influence.
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office identified Morgan publicly.
Police have not identified the officer who fired the weapon, nor have they said whether video captured the incident.
According to police, officers developed probable cause to search the vehicle when they spoke to Morgan after pulling him over. Police said that during the search, officers saw a loaded, high-powered rifle.
Officers tried to arrest Morgan, and police said he responded by trying to resist it. Police said Morgan refused their orders and ultimately grabbed the rifle.
At that point, one of the officers fired, police said. Morgan died at the scene despite receiving medical aid from officers at the scene.
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is conducting its own independent review of the incident as the investigation continues. The officer went on immediate paid administrative leave, per department policy. Police have not said when the officer will return.
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