Man shot and killed after taking Deputy's baton and attacking him with it
Authorities have released the name of a man shot and killed by a deputy after allegedly grabbing the deputy's baton and attacking him with it.
Kenneth Drinkard, 42, of Jamul, was pronounced dead shortly shortly after shooting, according to medical examiner's investigator James Buckley.
The deadly encounter took place at 18500 Deer Valley Road in Dulzura at about 3:30 p.m. Thursday, San Diego County sheriff's Lt. Scott Rossall said.
The incident began when the deputy pulled the victim over on a motorcycle on Deer Valley Road and smelled alcohol on him, Rossall said.
When the deputy called for assistance from the California Highway Patrol, the man began to yell, then fled on foot, he said.
After a short foot pursuit, Drinkard got a hold of the deputy's baton during a struggle and ignored commands to drop it, Rossall said. He then attacked the deputy with the baton, and the deputy opened fire, killing him, Rossall said.
Drinkard's girlfriend showed up after the shooting and was outraged.
"He was a good dad and just became a grandpa. He would never hurt nobody," she said.
The deputy has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
