Man killed in San Francisco officer-involved shooting

By Karli Bulnes, Bay City News Service

January 27, 2007

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) - A man who police shot and killed Friday night in San Francisco's Mission District after he allegedly pulled out a gun has been identified as 36-year-old Mario Vargas, according to San Francisco medical examiner's office Investigator Tom McDonald.

According to San Francisco Police Department Sgt. Neville Gittens, three officers reported entering a pizzeria at 5145 Mission Street to purchase food. Inside the restaurant, two men were telling people they needed help, and that something had occurred between them and a third man outside.

According to Gittens, officers went outside to investigate the man pointed out to them by the group, but when they approached him, he drew a gun, at which point police officers shot and killed him.

Gittens said the man was pronounced dead at the scene at around 9:59 p.m. Friday. McDonald said Vargas' place of residence has not yet been determined.

Gittens does not yet know how many shots were fired or how many officers may have shot the man, but investigation of the incident continues.

Gittens said police have recovered the handgun the dead man was said to have pointed at officers.

According to Gittens, the shooting is being investigated by the Police Department's homicide division, by representatives from the district attorney's office, and by representatives from the Police Department's management control division.

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